NAPLES, Italy – The Turkish community at Allied Joint Force Command Naples organised and hosted its annual event to celebrate the International Children’s Festival, May 3, 2019.
The founder of the Turkish Republic Mustafa Kemal Ataturk declared that the date of the inauguration of the first Turkish Grand National Assembly, 23rd April 1920, would be known as "National Children Day”.
UNESCO proclaimed 1979 as the "International Year of Child” and since then Turkey has been celebrating "International Children’s Day” with the participation of the children from different nations all around the world by aiming at theme of peace and friendship.
"In 1920 President Atatürk dedicated the 23rd of April to all children of the world, saying "Children are a new beginning of tomorrow,” said Admiral Foggo, JFC Naples Commander."He truly pioneered the modern celebration of children—of all children.
"In this spirit, the motto of the International Children’s Festival is'Love, Friendship and Peace', Foggo concluded. "I can’t think of better universal ideas to live and celebrate!”
According to event organisers, the purpose of the festival is Turkey’s gift to all children across the world, and it’s a special festival that reflects the good will and livelihood of children, evoking the feelings of friendship and unity.
Elementary Schools of the NATO nations and local Italian schools took part. The students performed dancing and singing acts. Additionally, there was an exhibition of paintings done by children who participated in a drawing contest for the festival.
Story by JFC Naples Public Affairs Office