The 6th Annual International Children's Day organized by the Turkish Cultural Center in Long Island was celebrated with performances by students.The program took place in Molloy College in Long Island. Many distinguished guests attended the celebrations including Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano, his wife, Linda Mangano, Assemblyman Charles Lavine, Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, Assemblyman Andrew P. Raia, Phil Ramos in New York City, and Assemblyman Chad A. Lupinacci. A large number of guests also attended the event.The program began with Robert Frost School Orchestra’s performance of several classical pieces.Then the Turkish Cultural Center Long Island President Sadri Altınok welcomed the guests: "The purpose of this program is to show that who you are, what you are doing, what you believe is not important; What is important is peace, tranquility and living together as fellow human beings." he said.Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano emphasized the importance of being aware of the existence of children in these children's activities, and that the program is a good opportunity to integrate Turkish culture and other cultures.Mangano, "I can tell you there is a common goal in all cultures: that is to make our children's lives better" he said.In the event the Turkish-American community donated $1,000 to the Stony Brook Children's Hospital in Long Island.Sand Art by Bosnian student Berina Suljic, that depicted friendship and peace with pictures she drew on sand, received great applause from the audience.The sand art was followed by Great Neck High School student Gal Zeidman singing Michael Jackson’s "Heal the World" song, and Sevile Muminzhavona’s performance of Goksel’s "Gunun Birinde”.Korea, China, Turkey and Albania showcased their traditional folk dance performances.There was also an award ceremony for the winners of an Art Contest themed “Peace Begins with Us”. The first place winner Seyma Ayyildiz won $200, second place winner Fredy Salvador won $150, and third place winner Emily Civitella received $100.The program ended with all the students taking the stage and singing together.
