Kıymetli vatandaşlarım,

Dear members of Turkish-American Community,

Dear Friends of Türkiye,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

This beautiful evening, we are celebrating the 102nd
anniversary of the Proclamation of the Republic of Turkey and I am truly
honored to address you on this very special occasion.

Today, we are proud to observe the success of Turkish
Republic as a free, democratic, peaceful and stable state in a region which is
being shattered and torn by numerous wars, conflicts and humanitarian crises.
The Republic of Türkiye has already proven its resilience against the regional
and global shocks throughout its history.

Bu vesileyle, Kurtuluş Savaşımızın büyük zafere
ulaşmasında ve Türkiye Cumhuriyeti’nin kurulmasında emeği geçen
kahramanlarımızı saygı ve rahmetle anmak isterim.

On this occasion, I want to commemorate all of our heroes
with respect and pride, who contributed to the Turkish victory in our
Independence War and to the foundation of our beloved Republic.

Özellikle bugünkü çağdaş ve demokratik Türkiye
Cumhuriyeti’nin siyasi, hukuki, ekonomik ve sosyal temellerini atan
devletimizin kurucusu ve ebedi önderi Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’ün aziz
hatırası önünde minnetle eğiliyorum.

I particularly would like to express our nation’s gratitude
and appreciation to Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of Türkiye who laid down
the political, legal, economic and social foundations of today’s modern Turkish
State.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Kıymetli konuklar,

One of the most important aspects of our deep-rooted
relations with the United States is the Turkish - American Community. We are very
proud of diverse and sustained achievements and contribution of Turkish
Americans to the both countries’ social and economic life. I am well convinced
that we are going to see more Turkish Americans in high ranking positions of
public offices, academic and business institutions
of the USA.

Distinguished guests,

This ball is probably the most important cultural and
social event for Turkish Americans living in and around Houston. For this
reason, I would like to extend my special thanks to Mrs. President Elif Ansari,
the Board members of American-Turkish Association ATA-Houston and the
volunteers who were involved in the preparation and realization of this ball.

I wish you a pleasant and unforgettable time.

Enjoy the evening!