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Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington DC

 

 

 

 

 


The American Hungarian Federation and the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation

WASHINGTON—On October 22 the American Hungarian Federation (“AHF”) sponsored a reception on Capitol Hill commemorating the 59th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight. It also honored Helsinki Commission Chair Rep. Chris Smith and Representative Dan Lipinski with its Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats Medal of Freedom, awarded to outstanding individuals to recognize their life's achievements, dedication to freedom and democracy, promotion of transatlantic relations, and meritorious contribution to society.

In opening remarks, Dr. Louis Segesvary of AHf, noted that “nearly six decades had passed since the small Central European nation of Hungary rose up in a revolution against the Soviet Union that represented the first major challenge to its military dominion since World War II. Yet it would be a mistake to discount the significance of this revolution merely because of the passage of time, Dr. Segesvary explained. This was David facing down Goliath in the modern era, and as such it remains and will remain an inspiration to freedom loving people everywhere. For the sheer courage displayed by the freedom fighters in this uprising against the most hopeless of odds not only stunned the world but inspired it, and led eventually to a crescendo of falling dominos and the dissolution of the entire Soviet Union itself. The seven days of freedom Hungarians had achieved in 1956 meant that Goliath had been mortally wounded, his aura of invincibility shattered.  It was just a matter of time before he collapsed into the dust once again just as in biblical times.” Rep. Smith entered AHF’s statement in the Congressional Record. Almost 60 years after the Hungarian Revolution, and more than 25 years after the regime change, it is more important than ever for Hungarians and Americans alike to remember that communism was not a beautiful utopia,” said Marion Smith, Executive Director of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation, which co-hosted the program. “It was and is an ideology that enables tyranny. Communist regimes everywhere systematically killed a portion of their own people as a matter of policy in peacetime, denied citizens their basic rights, robbed them of their food and of their labor, and tore families apart in maintaining a police state.”

AHF’s National President Frank Koszorus, Jr. related that the organization established the Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats Medal of Freedom to honor outstanding individuals and recognize their life's achievements, dedication to freedom and democracy, promotion of transatlantic relations, and meritorious contribution to society. Inscribed on the medal is AHF's Motto, “Fidelissimus ad Mortem" or "Faithful Unto Death”  representing Hungarian Americans’ historical commitment to the United States. The motto was taken from a letter written by Hungarian Hussar Officer Michael Kováts to Benjamin Franklin, offering his sword in service to Americans’ noble cause of freedom. It  reflects AHF’s values, the historical and inextricable ties between Hungarians and Americans and symbolizes Hungarians’ contributions and sacrifices to America’s beginning.

On May 11, 1779, Colonel Kovats, known as the Founding Father of  US light Cavalry, gave his life in the American War for Independence while leading the Continental Army cavalry he had trained in Hungarian hussar tactics against a British siege of Charleston. The British remarked that Kovats' forces were "the best cavalry the rebels ever had.”

Mr. Koszorus then introduced Rep. Smith and noted in presenting the Kovats Award, that the Representative “is a strong supporter of good bi-lateral relations with Hungary recognizing US strategic interests in maintaining good ties with that country.  As his record demonstrates he steadfastly promotes human rights and democracy.  He has traveled to Budapest to better gauge what is happening on the ground and to better understand that country, its people, its hopes and fears and accomplishments over the centuries.”

“I am delighted to have received the Kovats award, which represents the long-standing commitment of Hungarian Americans to the United States and is a testament to the special ties between our two nations,” said Rep. Smith. “Colonel Kovats gave his life for the cause of freedom during the American Revolution, and truly embodied the courage and patriotism of the Hungarian people. This courage was reflected during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution against the Soviet-installed communist dictatorship, which remains a model of patriotism, heroism and resistance against tyranny.”

AHF’s Chairman of the Board Akos Nagy presented the Kovats Medal to Rep. Dan Lipinski for his work to strengthen U.S. relations with Central & Eastern Europe and for his friendship toward Hungary. Mr. Nagy noted Rep. Lipinski’s efforts to promote and protect democracy in the region, as these countries are still rebuilding their political and economic systems after suffering the ravages of Communist dictatorships for over 40 years.

Also attending the event were Hungarian Ambassador Réka Szemerkényi, Rep. Mario Diaz- Balart, and Rep. Dennis Ross.

AHF was founded in 1906. It is the largest Hungarian-American umbrella organization in the United States and among the oldest ethnic organizations in the country.

 












 

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