Michigan Rep. Thanedar pays tribute to Turkish Americans: "Ne mutlu Türküm diyene"

Rep. Shri Thanedar, who represents Michigan's 13th District, has signed a proclamation marking the 103rd anniversary of Türkiye's Republic Day and praising the Detroit area's Turkish American community. The document closes with Atatürk's words "Ne mutlu Türküm diyene." Ally Daily obtained a copy.

Rep. Shri Thanedar, who represents Michigan's 13th Congressional District in the 119th Congress, has signed a proclamation "In Recognition of the 103rd Anniversary of Türkiye Republic Day." Ally Daily obtained a copy of the document, which has not yet been published online.

Writing on behalf of his district, Thanedar commemorates "the 103rd Anniversary of Cumhuriyet Bayramı" on Oct. 29, 2026, and "pay[s] tribute to Türkiye and Turkish Americans." The proclamation recalls that the Republic was founded on Oct. 29, 1923, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, on the ideals of national sovereignty, democracy, equality, reform and self-determination.

Rep. Thanedar's proclamation for the Republic's 103rd anniversary

Proclamation praises TACAM

The document calls Turkish Americans "valued citizens" who have made meaningful contributions across Michigan and says Detroit and its surrounding communities are home to a vibrant Turkish American community, including the Turkish American Cultural Association of Michigan (TACAM), which continues to celebrate and preserve Turkish heritage and traditions. Its annual Republic Day celebration, the document says, brings the community together. It also describes the anniversary as a chance to celebrate the enduring friendship between Türkiye and the United States.

The proclamation closes with Atatürk's words "Ne mutlu Türküm diyene" ("How happy is the one who says I am a Turk"). It is a personal proclamation by the congressman rather than a resolution of the House. TACAM's Republic Day ball will take place on Nov. 7 in Livonia.