Dear friends, neighbors and all Houstonians,

Houston was an home to a very exciting event today: Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony of Turquoise Center. Participants enjoyed folk dances, delicious Turkish baklava, lokum and coffee. The Hon. Madeleine Albright, 64^th Secretary of State, was the keynote speaker of the event. She made a warm speech to Turkish-American community. She said that Istanbul is the city she likes most in the world and consider herself as a Turkophile.

A great number of people from diverse walks of life welcomed the Hon. Albright, neighbors, businessman, representatives of the different bodies of the society, consuls general and students. Madame Secretary enjoyed Turkish students folk dance group and said that she wasn't born in the U.S and when she was a child she participated in performances where she was wearing a traditional dress. She also said that U.S. is home to many nations and it's important that there is a Turkish-American community and a cultural center.

She expressed that U.S and Turkey are the allies of the NATO and these two countries have a common goal of looking for peace in local and international area. Turkey is playing a very important role.

U.S. Congressman Al Green who represents the ninth district of Texas where Turquoise Center is located expressed that America wouldn't be America without Turkish community and Turkish-Americans must feel proud because of their contribution to Houston.

After the speeches, the Hon. Albright, Congressman Al Green and Ambassador Atilla Uzer, Consul  General of Turkey cut the ribbon and opened Turquoise Center.

Some of the dignitaries who were present at the ceremony are: Hon. Tsutomu Osawa, Consul General of Japan; Hon. Asher Yarden, Consul General of Israel; Hon. Lasse Seim, Consul General of Norway and Dr. Alma Allen, Texas State Representative.

We thank you to all for their kind participation at our Opening Ceremony. (December 2, 2008, Houston, TX)