; Whereas Turkish Americans are an important part of the fabric of the United States, as evinced by their contributions to the arts, science, academia, law, business, and political life of this country; Whereas Turkish Americans serve as goodwill ambassadors promoting greater understanding between the United States and Turkey, by informing the people of the United States about their rich Turkish cultural heritage, and the importance of the strategic partnership to advance mutual interests between the United States and Turkey; and Whereas the United States and Turkey have been close friends and allies for more than half a century, sharing common values of democracy, diversity, tolerance, social mobility, and the separation of religious and civic life: Now, therefore, be it