Events 2013
-
Secretary Kerry's Arrival at the State Department
Secretary Kerry (Feb. 4): "I want to thank President Obama for his trust in me to take on this awesome task, and for his trust in you, every single one of you, and what you do every single day." Video »
-
U.S. Government Delegation to Travel to Turkey
On January 23-31, 2013, the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Agency for International Development will send a delegation of senior U.S. officials to Turkey and Jordan. “Heartbreaking” Stories »
-
First Family Participates in National Day of Service
In 2013, as they did in advance of President Obama’s first inauguration in 2009, the first family participated in a National Day of Service to honor the life and legacy of the late civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. King’s birthday is celebrated the third Monday in January as a U.S. national holiday. Because King’s birthday this year coincides with Inauguration Day, the National Day of Service was celebrated January 19. Presidential Proclamation on Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday »
-
The 57th Presidential Inauguration
"We are made for this moment, and we will seize it – so long as we seize it together." —President Obama Video »
-
Public Diplomacy in a Changing Middle East
Under Secretary Sonenshine: "It is very much in our interests to engage fully, energetically, and creatively. There is no more urgent region for such U.S. engagement than the Middle East and North Africa."
-
The New York Gypsy All-Stars will perform in Ankara
The New York Gypsy All-Stars sprang, uniting bi-musical virtuosi raised on the lush sounds of Macedonian, Greek, Turkish, and American roots and forged in the halls of the world’s best music schools. New York Gypsy All-Stars Jump the Turnstiles of Balkanalia, Turkish Roots, and Gypsy Soul with Funky Refinement. U.S. Embassy sponsored “Turkey Tour” will start on Jan. 16th 2013 in Istanbul and will continue in Ankara, Bursa and will conclude in Istanbul on January 20, 2013.
-
The 2nd QueerFest will take place in Ankara 17-24 January 2013
US Embassy funded QueerFest film festival organized by Pink Life LGBT Association, will take place in Ankara between 17 to 24 January 2013. Festival aims at making visible the discrimination and violence against LGBTQ individuals and at creating opportunities to discuss queer theory and arts in Turkey.
-
The U.S. Presidential Inauguration: An Exceptional Tradition
Many U.S. governmental institutions and political traditions support continuity in the midst of change. The laws and traditions surrounding presidential inaugurations are among the best examples of continuity during political change. The U.S. presidential inauguration embodies a unique bipartisan tradition, and even the most heated partisan political debates are set aside to honor the peaceful transition of power.
-
Public Diplomacy in a Changing Middle East
Under Secretary Sonenshine: "It is very much in our interests to engage fully, energetically, and creatively. There is no more urgent region for such U.S. engagement than the Middle East and North Africa."
-
Presidential Proclamation on Religious Freedom Day
Foremost among the rights Americans hold sacred is the freedom to worship as we choose. Today, we celebrate one of our Nation’s first laws to protect that right — the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom.
-
“Faith in America's Future”
Ceremonies for President Obama’s inauguration for a second term will have “Faith in America's Future” as an overall theme.
-
Presidential Proclamation -- National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2013
"This month, we rededicate ourselves to stopping one of the greatest human rights abuses of our time. Around the world, millions of men, women, and children are bought, sold, beaten, and abused, locked in compelled service and hidden in darkness. They toil in factories and fields; in brothels and sweatshops; at sea, abroad, and at home. They are the victims of human trafficking -- a crime that amounts to modern-day slavery."
-
The U.S. Presidential Inauguration: An Exceptional Tradition
Many U.S. governmental institutions and political traditions support continuity in the midst of change. The laws and traditions surrounding presidential inaugurations are among the best examples of continuity during political change. The U.S. presidential inauguration embodies a unique bipartisan tradition, and even the most heated partisan political debates are set aside to honor the peaceful transition of power.
-
Celebrating the Legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said: “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?’” Each year, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Americans attempt to answer that question by performing community service. Photo Gallery »
-
U.S. Response to Syria Crisis in 2012
The U.S. stands resolutely with the Syrian people facing dire humanitarian conditions every day as a result of the brutal, ongoing violence that has engulfed the country and spread beyond its borders.
-
US Response to the Syria Humanitarian Crisis in 2012
The United States stands resolutely with the Syrian people facing dire humanitarian conditions every day as a result of the brutal, ongoing violence that has engulfed the country and spread beyond its borders. For more detailed information »
-
11 Year Old Syrian Boy Gets a New Chance in the U.S.
11 year old Abed recently lost his leg in a missile attack in Syria. Because the boys were unable to get valid Syrian travel documents and based on the boys’ urgent need and extenuating circumstances, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security used its authority and granted “humanitarian parole” to allow them to enter the United States. The U.S. Embassy in Ankara translated the boys’ documents and recommended that Humanitarian Parole be expedited. Video »
