Turkish opposition leader hails Children’s Day

By Enes Kaplan</p> <p>ANKARA (AA) – The best legacy to leave to our children is a free and just Turkey, the head of the country’s main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP) said on Monday.</p> <p>&quot;The day of our parliament's foundation was given to children and future generations by the Great Leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk,” said Kemal Kilicdaroglu, in a message posted online to mark April 23, National Sovereignty and Children’s Day.</p> <p>“This gift is the symbol of the Turkish parliament's never-ending responsibility to our country. Therefore, the greatest legacy to leave to our children is a free and just Turkey.&quot; </p> <p>Kilicdaroglu said parliament was founded on April 23, 1920, under the presidency of Ataturk, the founder of the Turkish Republic, and it has been the symbol of national sovereignty and independence ever since.</p> <p>&quot;On the 99th anniversary of the foundation of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, I respectfully commemorate our heroes, martyrs, and veterans who sacrificed their lives for the independence and freedom of our country, particularly the Great Leader Ataturk,&quot; he said.</p> <p>On Tuesday, Turkey will mark National Sovereignty and Children’s Day as well as the 99th anniversary of parliament.</p> <p>The special day in Turkey is marked by a festival for children as well as special events at public offices, schools, and the private sector.</p> <p>The celebrations focus on children after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk dedicated the day to children as the nation’s future.</p> <p>The Turkish Grand National Assembly met for the first time in Ankara in 1920 during the War of Independence to lay the foundations for an independent, secular, and modern republic.</p> <p>* Writing by Ali Murat Alhas