12 years ago, the message of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk to the ANZACS was delivered to Songúl Demirci (Australian of Turkish heritage) in the form of a framed image of an Australian soldier standing in front of a grave. The message from the first president of Turkey was silhouetted on the image.

Always saddened by the photograph, Songúl read the poem over and over in an attempt to fully understand its message.

During this time Songúl obtained an English translation of the speech made by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk and with these words, she vowed to make something great one day between the two nations she holds so close to her heart.

Deeply tied to both worlds, Songúl Demirci's belief in Ataturks' speech inspired her to declare a day which brings both cultures together and the vision of friendship for all humanity.

This day is named 'Friendship for Life'.