Alison Starling emceed the Convention Dinner and Gala, welcoming guests at the Ballroom of the Willard InterContinental Hotel and thanking all of the partners and sponsors for making the 4th Annual Turkic American Convention a reality. A dozen honorable Members of U.S. Congress attended the Gala and each took turns congratulating the success of the convention and incredible growth of the Turkic American Alliance in such a short time frame. They included Congressman Pete Olson (R-TX), Leonard Lance (R-NJ), Alan Grayson (D-FL), Gregory Meeks (D-NY), Maxine Waters (D-CA), Dana Rohrabacher (D-CA), Danny Davis (D-IL), Robert Aderholt (R-AL), Don Young of (R-AK) and Yvette Clarke (D-NY).
The Members emphasized the great relationship they have with Turkic communities in their constituencies. For instance, Congressman Davis acknowledged the size of the Turkic community in his district and welcomed everyone to Chicago. Congressman Grayson offered his sincere thanks to Turkey for being so accommodating to its neighbors seeking refuge from Syria. He also emphasized that Turkey should stay on the path of democracy. Congressman Meeks said that Turkic communities have greatly contributed to making America a better place. Congresswoman Waters, Congressman Lance and Congressman Young, respectively, also expressed their gratitude for being part of such an event and expressed their best hopes for continuation of strong friendships and partnerships with Turkic communities. Congressman Rohrabacher highlighted Turkey and the United States’ longstanding friendship that dates back to the Cold War.
Dr. Faruk Taban, President of the Turkic American Alliance, took the floor and welcomed everyone to the 4th Annual Turkic American Convention Dinner and Gala. Dr. Taban thanked all of the convention participants and forum speakers, as well as the sponsors and partners. He also thanked all of the distinguished U.S. Members of Congress and Senate, and the distinguished Members of Turkish Parliament, for supporting the event and the Turkic community. Lastly, Dr. Taban thanked TUSKON for its sponsorship of the convention and for its continuing partnership for the past four years.
The Secretary of State of Maryland John P. McDonough thanked the Turkic American Alliance for organizing the event and presented to President Dr. Faruk Taban on behalf of the Honorable Governor of Maryland Martin O’Malley a Proclamation declaring April 8th and 9th, 2014,’Turkic American Alliance – 4th Annual Turkic American Convention Days.’
After these closing remarks, the Convention Dinner Gala concluded with a short introductory video on the work of the Turkic American Alliance.
Source: Turkic American Convention
