Commemorating National Sovereignty and Children’s Day with a Salute to the Children of Gaza

On the 105th anniversary of the inauguration of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, we proudly commemorate a pivotal milestone in our nation’s history. In the darkest days of our national struggle, the establishment of the Assembly marked a decisive leap toward sovereignty and independence. It symbolized the collective will of a people determined to shape their own destiny, rising from the heart of Anatolia to proclaim a spirit of resistance to the world.

From its very foundation, the Grand National Assembly has been a powerful emblem of defiance against imperialism and a steadfast guardian of the national will. Its enduring stance has not only inspired our people but has also served as a beacon of hope for oppressed nations across the globe.

As the supreme embodiment of national unity and democratic legitimacy, the Assembly reflects the principle that sovereignty resides with the people—not above them, not beyond them, but alongside them. Any tutelary imposition undermines the very foundation of a free and sovereign nation.

The decision to dedicate April 23rd to children enriches the day with profound meaning. Children are the purest representation of innocence and the strongest symbol of our collective future. The greatest legacy we can pass on to the generations who will build tomorrow is faith, freedom, and justice.

Yet, as we gather in celebration, our joy is tempered by sorrow.

For the past 18 months, the people of Gaza have endured unspeakable suffering under relentless attacks by the occupying forces. What unfolds before the eyes of a watching world is among the gravest humanitarian tragedies in recent memory. Tens of thousands have lost their lives to indiscriminate bombings. Thousands of children have been condemned to hunger, thirst, disease, and ultimately death, denied even the most basic human necessities. In the shadow of siege and destruction, children are forced to struggle for survival amid rubble, while grieving mothers bury their children without even the dignity of a shroud.

As this brutality continues, the so-called “civilized” world remains silent—deaf to suffering, blind to injustice, and mute in the face of atrocity. In contrast, we reaffirm our moral duty to speak out for justice, to amplify the voices of the oppressed, and to stand on the side of truth. For silence in the face of tyranny is nothing less than complicity.

Just as we stood tall against imperialism 105 years ago, today we stand with our Palestinian brothers and sisters in their rightful struggle for freedom and dignity. We see this not merely as solidarity, but as a continuation of a historical and moral commitment. We believe that proclaiming “From the River to the Sea, Palestine will be free” is not only a political statement but a humanitarian imperative.

As the Memur-Sen family, we pray for the day when Palestinian children too will celebrate peace, joy, and freedom. We honor our martyrs with respect and gratitude, and we salute our veteran Parliament—the living symbol of our national sovereignty and collective resolve.