National Sovereignty and Children's Day Messages
On April 23rd, 1920, the Grand National Assembly of Turkey opened in Ankara, and the date came to stand for national sovereignty. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who led the country's founding and later became its first president, dedicated the holiday to children, which is why Turkey celebrates it as National Sovereignty and Children's Day. Schools hold ceremonies, performances and festivals, and in many institutions children take the seats of officials for a day. Children from other countries often join the festivities too, which gives the day an international feel.
The examples on this page cover three situations: short notes for a child you know, heartfelt messages for adults who want to share what the day means, and formal greetings to send on behalf of a school, association or company. The tips explain how to write for a child and how to use the holiday's full name in a formal message. If you'd like to send your words with a flag ceremony, Wishwiff lets the recipient open the link, raise the flag themselves, and then read what you wrote.
How do you write a message for Children's Day?
- Writing to a child? Keep sentences short and simple; using their name or mentioning something they love makes it theirs.
- Young children often read messages with a parent, so choose words that sound warm when read aloud.
- When writing to adults, you can briefly mention the 1920 opening of the Assembly and the fact that the day was dedicated to children.
- Leave out political commentary and anything likely to start an argument; the day belongs to children and to celebrating together.
- In a formal message, use the full name, 23 April National Sovereignty and Children's Day, and write in the first person plural ("we celebrate," "we wish") when speaking for an institution.
Example messages
Copy the one you like and send it as it is, or change it into your own words.
Short and warm
Happy National Sovereignty and Children's Day!
Today is your holiday. Play a lot and laugh even more. 🎈
Happy April 23rd! May your smile never fade.
Today is every child's holiday, and I'm celebrating yours extra loudly.
Heartfelt
May your curiosity never run out. Keep asking all your questions. Happy holiday.
I've always found it meaningful that a national holiday was given to children. Happy April 23rd.
I wish you a future as bright as your smile. Happy Children's Day.
Watching you grow up teaches me something new every day. So glad you're here. Happy holiday.
Official / Corporate
Happy 23 April National Sovereignty and Children's Day. We wish all children a healthy and happy future.
On the anniversary of the opening of the Grand National Assembly, we remember with respect Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, who dedicated this holiday to children.
We celebrate National Sovereignty and Children's Day and extend our warm regards to all our students and their families.
On this meaningful day, we celebrate every child's holiday and wish them a future where they can grow up curious and happy.
On Wishwiff
For April 23rd, Wishwiff has a Flag Raising template. The recipient opens the link and raises the flag themselves, a small gesture that echoes the school flag ceremonies held across Turkey that day. Once the flag reaches the top, your message appears. If it's for a child, you can send the link to a parent's phone and suggest they raise the flag together. The celebration has sound, so it's best with the volume on.
Common questions
Why is April 23rd Children's Day in Turkey?
The Grand National Assembly of Turkey opened on April 23rd, 1920, and the date became a symbol of national sovereignty. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk dedicated the holiday to children, so it's celebrated as National Sovereignty and Children's Day.
How do schools celebrate it?
With flag ceremonies, poems, performances and festivals. In many institutions, children also take over officials' seats for the day.
How can I send an April 23rd celebration to a child?
Choose the Flag Raising template, add the child's name and a short message, and send the link to them or their family. No app or account is needed, and setup takes about a minute.
How long does an April 23rd celebration stay available?
The link works for 7 days, after which the celebration is permanently deleted. Wishwiff doesn't ask the child or their family for any personal information.