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2011 Commemoration of the 1848 Hungarian Revolution and War of Liberation

This year's commemoration of 1848 was organized by the American Hungarian Federation of Metropolitan Washington, DC, and held on March 13, at 2:30 p.m., at the Wesley Theological Seminary Chapel in Washington, D.C. Ambassador Szapary and Rev. Judit Mayer seen here.3/15/2011 - Hungarian Americans commemorate Hungarian National Day. The 1848 Hungarian Revolution, under its leader Louis Kossuth, sought to throw off the Austrian Yoke. It failed after Russian intervention, but its impact on the United States is felt even today. This year's commemoration of 1848 was organized by the American Hungarian Federation of Metropolitan Washington, DC, and held on March 13, at 2:30 p.m., at the Wesley Theological Seminary Chapel in Washington, D.C. Similar events were held across the country.

Hungarian Ambassador Dr. György Szapáry delivered the Keynote Address.
Zoltán Bagdy, AHF Co-President and Chair of its Cultural Affairs Committee, welcomed guests and opened the ceremoniesEach year, speakers focus on the significance of the 1848 revolution and how its ideals and goals relate to today's Hungary. Zoltán Bagdy, AHF Co-President and Chair of its Cultural Affairs Committee, welcomed guests, opened the ceremonies and served as Master of Ceremonies. Bryan Dawson, AHF Executive Chairman, sang the national anthems of the United States and Hungary. Hungarian Ambassador Dr. György Szapáry delivered the Keynote Address. In what is a welcome paradigm shift in Hungarian official policy toward Hungarians in the diaspora, the Ambassador said:

Hungarian Ambassador Dr. György Szapáry delivered the Keynote Address. In what is a welcome paradigm shift in Hungarian official policy toward Hungarians in the diaspora"Our history and common past of national survival must not be discounted nor must it be lost. It is this strength that has allowed a Hungarian nation, with its troubled fate, for centuries cradled in the Carpathian Basin, to remain united and inextricably tied together the Hungarian nation across the high seas with the mother country along invisible strands... the same mother country who has at last bravely reached out to her descendants offering a path to naturalization and, with resolute intentions, renewed the Hungarian Permanent (Standing) Conference. Because, indeed, the active participation of the diaspora in the affairs of the nation is important." [tovább magyarul]

AHF President Frank Koszorus, Jr., delivered his address which focused on Kossuth ill-fated appeal to the United States for assistance in their struggle for democracy. Kossuth's call falls now on the ears of the next generation of Americans

AHF President Frank Koszorus, Jr., delivered his annual "Reflections" address which this year focused on Kossuth's ill-fated appeal to the United States for assistance in their struggle for democracy. Kossuth's call falls now on the ears of the next generation of Americans:

AHF President Frank Koszorus, Jr., delivered his annual "Reflections" address which this year focused on Kossuth's ill-fated appeal to the United States for assistance in their struggle for democracy. Kossuth's call falls now on the ears of the next generation of American"We come to the part of the program when we switch to English so that those of you whose primary language is English can participate with us in our commemoration of Hungary’s democratic revolution and war independence of 1848 - 1849. Actually, I will focus on Lajos Kossuth’s highly acclaimed trip to the United States from December 4, 1851 until July 14, 1852 – a trip made for the purpose of urging and convincing America to intervene on behalf of defeated Hungary by supporting Hungary's struggle against Austria. 

From the moment he set foot on American soil, Kossuth was enthusiastically received.  During his extended tour of eastern United States, Kossuth delivered more than 300 public addresses and lectures, including his famous speech in which he stated, “All for the people and all by the people.  Nothing about the people without the people.  That is Democracy, and that is the ruling tendency of the spirit of our age.” These words were uttered by Kossuth over a decade before President Abraham Lincoln's famed “for the people, by the people” speech given at Gettysburg in 1863.

Kossuth’s triumphant six-month tour of America was an unprecedented success.  Everywhere he went he was greeted as a hero, a champion of liberty.  He addressed both Houses of Congress, met with President Fillmore and was hailed by Secretary of State Daniel Webster.  During his stay, 250 poems, dozens of books, and thousands of editorials were written about Kossuth and his democratic ideals.

And his visit did leave a legacy in the United States that extended into the next century, as attested to by Theodore Roosevelt’s eloquent words when on April 2, 1910 in the Hungarian parliament he said, "There is no more illustrious history than the history of the Magyar nation. . . . The whole civilized world is indebted to Magyarland for its historic deeds.”  These were sentiments that reverberated throughout America, at least for another ten years and then again in 1956.

And yet, despite his eloquence and tremendous popularity, Kossuth was not able to convince the United States government to recognize the Hungarian cause and independence.  When he turned to Henry Clay, by then an elder statesman, Clay explained that Americans did not help because by giving official support to the Hungarian cause, they would have abandoned their “ancient policy of amity and non-intervention."

And so what is my point this afternoon? 

1. Well, first, the United States is no longer pursuing a policy of isolationism and Hungary is a NATO ally.

2. Second, Hungarians still have issues which must be resolved.  For example, one finds mischaracterizations about Hungary, as we recently did when we read an incredible  reference to Putinization of the country in a respected newspaper; or when Romania flouts constitutional guarantees to the right to an education in the mother tongue; or when Romania fails to restore the independent Hungarian state university in Kolozsvar and virtually treats the legitimate request for autonomy of the Szekelyland as an act of treason; or when Slovakia adopts a discriminatory law restricting the use of Hungarian in the public sphere; and I could go on.

3. Third, resolution of these issues is in the best interest of the United States, as it would promote stability, democracy and prosperity in Central Europe.  And this is where Kossuth’s example comes into play. 

We can also educate the public in our communities about these critically important matters.  As Americans knowledgeable about the history, cultures and realities of that part of the world, we are in a unique position to influence our government; to speak up; to write articles, letters to the editor; to meet with our congressional Representatives; to educate, educate, educate and thereby dispel faulty information about Hungary resulting either from ignorance or motivated by political considerations and support policies that will promote democracy and minority rights. 

As a community we must reach out and involve younger generations in this exciting and challenging task. We must find and assist those Hungarian Americans who although not fluent in Hungarian, nevertheless are consciously aware of their cultural traditions and are poised to enter the professions, business or government.

We must engage in a persistent, tireless and, above all, professional effort to educate and counter misinformation. We need people and organizations knowledgeable about politics and the political process.

Let us reach out and find all who want to participate in this noble quest which will ensure democracy for all Hungarians and advance the foreign policy interests of our great American homeland. As we commemorate March 15, let us not stop with Kossuth’s triumph and inability to secure America’s support for the cause of Hungary’s freedom, but let us unite and seize the moment so that 2011 and beyond will be a success of historic proportions."

er, recited his Nemzeti Dal.Members of the the The 4th Bátori József Hungarian Scouts Troop of Washington, DC, provided a major part of the program. Lydia Nyerges performed a flute solo of Antonio Vivaldi's Largo and later, with the portrait of Petőfi Sándor by Lydia Nyerges performed a flute solo of Antonio Vivaldi's Largo and later, with the portrait of Petőfi Sándor by Gabriella Koszorus-Varsa behind her, recited his Nemzeti Dal.Gabriella Koszorus-Varsa behind her, recited his Nemzeti Dal.

Members of the Hungarian Scout troop gave additional readings and ended the program with "Kossuth Dalok" (Kossuth Songs). The Revs. Judit Mayer and Peter Pal Cegledi of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Washington, D.C., provided the benediction and closing remarks.

Photos courtesy of Dr. Imre Nemeth.
- Bryan Dawson

Hungarian Scouts lead Kossuth Songs Lydia Nyerges performed a flute solo of Antonio Vivaldi's Largo and later, with the portrait of Petőfi Sándor by Gabriella Koszorus-Varsa behind her, recited his Nemzeti Dal. The Revs. Judit Mayer and Peter Pal Cegledi of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Washington, D.C., provided the benediction and closing remarks.

AHF Leadership Ambassador Szapary, Frank Koszorus, and Bryan Dawson Bryan Dawson led the Anthems of Hungary and the United States

AHF President Frank Koszorus, Jr., delivered his annual "Reflections" address which this year focused on Kossuth's ill-fated appeal to the United States for assistance in their struggle for democracy. Kossuth's call falls now on the ears of the next generation of Americans Members of the Hungarian Scout troop gave additional readings and ended the program with "Kossuth Dalok" (Kossuth Songs). Frank Koszorus_Czegledi Peter and Wife_Zoltan Bagdy

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Kossuth szelleme Amerikában - "Történelmi időket él az ország!"
Kossuth szelleme Amerikában -
"Történelmi időket él az ország!" [tovább]
----
Hungarian Ambassador György Szapáry delivered the Keynote Address"Történelmünk, közös hagyományaink nemzetmegtartó erejét nem szabad alábecsülni, és nem hagyhatjuk elveszni azt. Hiszen ez az elemi erő az, amely a hányattatott sorsú magyar nemzetet a Kárpát-medence ölében évszázadok óta egyben tartja, és láthatatlan szálakkal köti össze a tengerentúli magyarságot az anyaországgal.

Azzal az anyaországgal, amely ma végre bátran nyújtja ki karját elszármazott gyermekei felé, büszkén ajánlja fel a könnyített honosítás lehetőségét és határozott szándékkal éleszti újra a Magyar Állandó Értekezletet (a MÁÉRT-ot). Mert igenis számít a diaszpóra aktív részvételére nemzeti ügyeink rendezésében." - Ambassador Goerge Szapary on the occasion of Hungarian National Day 2011 in Washington, D.C. [tovább magyarul]

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Famous Quotes

The American Hungarian Federation of Metropolitan Washington, D.C., joined Hungarian American communities worldwide andpresented a program commemorating the Hungarian Revolution of 1848. The 1848-1849 flag is shown here."the house of Habsburg-Lorraine, perjured in the sight of God and man, had forfeited the Hungarian throne."
Hungary, April 1849

"All for the people and all by the people. Nothing about the people without the people. That is Democracy, and that is the ruling tendency of the spirit of our age."
Spoken before the Ohio State Legislature,
February 16, 1852


About Louis Kossuth

KossuthKossuth Lajos (b. 1802, d. 1894, pronounced co-shoot luh-yôsh) was Governor of Hungary during fight for independence and democracy which was eventually defeated by the union of the royalist Austrian Habsburg and Russian Czarist Armies (1848 - 1849). Kossuth envisioned a federation in the Kingdom of Hungary in which all nationalties participated in a vibrant democratic system based on fundamental democratic principles such as equality and parliamentary representation. The bloody conflict eventually led to a great compromise known as the "Austro-Hungarian Empire," in which Hungary gained some autonomy. although Kossuth would have no part in it and demanded full indepependence until his death.

Hungary's demands in the 1848-1849 War of Liberation against AustriaThe speech from which the above excerpt is taken was given over a decade before Lincoln's famed "for the people, by the people" speech given at Gettysburg in 1863. Kossuth was the first foreign Statesman officially invited to the US since the Marquis de Lafayette. His upcoming speech in the Congress of the United States made the pre-civil war joint house nervous due to his democratic views on equality of all men. Kossuth learned English while in prison and exile and spoke to half the population of the US who enthusiastically greeted and flocked to hear him. Despite Hungary's epic struggle and Kossuth's brave and noble efforts, the US, the "Bastion of Democracy" turned him away, empty handed. Hungary was alone again in its fight for democracy in 1956, and didn't gain freedom until 1989 and would soon join NATO.

Today, there are many reminders of Kossuth's impact on America and the world. In North America, there is a Kossuth County in the state of Iowa, a town with his name in Indiana, Ohio and Mississippi, a settlement with a Kossuth Post Office is in Pennsylvania. In addition, there are Kossuth statues and plaques in New York, Cleveland, Akron, New Orleans, Washington, and Ontario, Canada. The Hungarian Reformed Federation's building on Dupont Circle, in Washington, DC is called Kossuth House with a memorial plaque commemorating his speech on democracy. See the picture gallery and memorials on Louis Kossuth in North America.

The renowned Ralph Waldo Emerson said in greeting Kossuth on his arrival at Concord, MA, May 11, 1852:

"[we] have been hungry to see the man whose extraordinary eloquence is seconded by the splendor and the solidity of his actions."

Kossuth was greeted with wild enthusiasm across the country. He was only the second foreign leader (second to Lafayette) to address a joint session of Congress. The American Hungarian Federation dedicated a bust that now sits proudly in the US Capitol - it reads, "Louis Kossuth, Father of Hungarian Democracy" [read more]


Audio Resources

Hear Louis Kossuth Speak!Hear Louis Kossuth Speak! [Click Here] - This is the speech of Louis Kossuth which he gave for the dedication of the statue for the 13 Hungarian generals, who were executed at Arad, Hungary, on October 6, 1849 (Arad is in Rumania today after annexation due to the Treaty of Trianon in 1920 ). Louis Kossuth was exiled after the fall of the Hungarian Liberation Fight of 1848 and made his permanent home in Torino (Turin), Italy. He could not attend the dedication of the monument at Arad, without risking arrest, so he recorded his speech inTurin, and sent it to Arad using the new technology of sound recording, called the phonograph.
This is the speech of Louis Kossuth which he gave for the dedication of the statue for the 13 Hungarian generals, who were executed at Arad, Hungary, on October 6, 1849 (Arad is in Rumania today after annexation due to the Treaty of Trianon in 1920 ).The recording was made on September 20, 1890, when Kossuth was 88 years old. It is a sad fact that the monument Kossuth sent his speech for was torn down by the Rumanian government when they annexed Transylvania, along with Arad, in 1920, after World War I.

The original recording on two wax cylinders for the Edison phonograph survives to this day, although barely audible due to excess playback and unsuccessful early restoration attempts. Lajos Kossuth is the earliest born person in the world who has his voice preserved. Since the audio is of such poor quality, here is it is transcribed in Hungarian and translated to English (special thanks to Louis Kossuth in North America)

Hungarian
English

"A világ bírája a történelem fog e kérdésre felelni. Legyenek a szentemlékû vértanúk megáldottak poraikban, szellemeikben a hon szabadság Istenének legjobb áldásaival az örökkévalóságon keresztül; engem ki nem borulhatok le a Magyar Golgota porába, engem október 6-a térdeimre borulva fog hontalanságom remete lakában látni a mint az engem kitagadott Haza felé nyújtva agg karjaimat a hála hû érzelmeivel áldom a vértanúk szent emlékét hûségükért a Haza iránt, 's a magasztos példáért, melyet az utódoknak adtanak; 's buzgó imával kérem a magyarok Istenét, hogy tegye diadalmassá a velõkig ható szózatot, mely Hungária ajkairól a Magyar Nemzethez zeng. Úgy legyen Ámen!

Turin
September 20 1890
Kossuth Lajos

"The judge of the universe, history, will decide over this question. Should the saintly remembered martyrs be hallowed in their ashes, in their spirit with the highest blessings of the Lord of Liberty and through eternity; I can not pay my sympathies to the ashes of the Hungarian Golgotha, but October 6 will find me on my knees in this reclusive home of exile, as I open my arms to my disowning homeland. With gratitude's faithful sentiments, I bless the martyrs' sacred memory for their faith in their homeland and for the sublime example they left to their heirs: with ardent prayer I beg the God of Hungarians to make their appeal which echoes from the lips of Hungaria to the Hungarian Nation. So be it, Amen!

Turin
September 20 1890
Lajos Kossuth


The Kossuth Anthem:
Hear Louis Kossuth Speak!
Click to hear the recording:
"Kossuth Lajos azt üzente,
elfogyott a regimentje.
Ha még egyszer azt üzeni,
mindnyájunknak el kell menni,
Éljen a magyar szabadság,
Éljen a haza !
Esik esõ karikára,
Kossuth Lajos kalapjára.
Valahány csepp esik rája,
Annyi áldás szálljon rája,
Éljen a magyar szabadság,
Éljen a haza!"

Links

  • AHF and the Kossuth Bust in the US Capitol
  • AHF commemorating 1848
  • President Bush Honors 1848 and Hungary's Contributions to Democracy
  • HRFA's excellent Kossuth in America [visit]
  • Select Speeches of Kossuth, Condensed and Abridged, with Kossuth's Express Sanction [visit]
  • Louis Kossuth, Mason And Apostle Of World Democracy [visit]
  • Count Apponyi's Oration on the Death of Louis Kossuth [visit]
  • Wikipedia - [visit] and add your thoughts!
  • Louis Kossuth in North America [visit]
  • Kossuth County, Iowa [visit]
  • Kossuth County, Iowa statue dedication
    [visit]
  • Dedication of statue to replace one destroyed by
    Rumanian occupation forces in 1921:
    Gyergyócsomafalva, Transylvania [visit]

AHF 100 YEARS DISPLAY: AHF and the Kossuth Bust in the US Capitol
AHF and the Kossuth
Bust in the US Capitol
[read more]

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