Esteemed Director of the Niagara Foundation, members, and dear guests,

I regret that I cannot participate in “2006 Peace and Dialogue Awards” due to poor health. I am grateful for your kind invitation and hope you will forgive for my absence.

The purpose of your ceremony is worthy. Heroes of love must be applauded and awarded at every opportunity, for they aspire to be of service to humanity; they are always welcoming to everyone who passes through their neighborhood; they run, hand in hand with self-sacrificing souls, to soothe the pains of people; they strive to grow roses even among the weeds and sing the praises of the rose.

The fortunate souls who have kneeled down at the school of love and committed their lives to exchanging love with others do not recognize words like revenge, hatred, wrath, and conspiracy. They bow before love and have never stood in the presence of anything but love. These dedicated souls direct all opportunities to love, friendship, and peace; they work in all the fields of the social sphere—education, fine arts, sports, etc.—to serve this purpose. The media becomes the speaking mouth of peace in every aspect. The pleasure of such heroes in this life is derived from nothing but serving humanity.

I was surprised and humbled that an award is to be presented in my name. Throughout my life, I have called for dialogue and peace, and I am moved that you have seen such a small contribution on my part as worthy my having an award named after me; this is a manifestation of your good thoughts and an act of courtesy.

I am at an age where I have left behind egotistic thoughts and my heart is consoled by the social harmony that your every gathering displays; a torch of hope has been lighted for peace in the world. I congratulate the Niagara Foundation, which has become a symbol of dialogue and amity. I extend my humble thanks to the guests who have accepted such invitations and participate in these programs.

Yours sincerely,

M. Fethullah Gülen