10/23/2012 - AHF Issues Statement on the 56th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution entitled, "The Hungarian 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight:
A Nation of Heroes."
1956 was not the first time in Hungary’s thousand year history that the Hungarian nation -- the people -- stood up for liberty, independence and democracy. One just needs to remember the Revolution of 1848 when Hungarians rose up against Hapsburg oppression and with Lajos Kossuth at the helm championed freedom and democracy. Or one can recall July 1944 when a Hungarian armored division blocked the deportation of more than 200,000 Jews in Nazi-occupied Hungary. Or one can point to 1945 when despite Soviet occupation, Hungarians resoundingly rejected the Communist Party and elected the Smallholders Party.
Although unfamiliar with the details of [Hungary's] rich history and national character, a few today are quick to conclude (and have the international community believe) that the Hungarian people are less than committed to democracy when, in fact, Hungarians continue to be strong adherents of democratic values. As a member of NATO, Hungarians also continue to serve the cause of freedom, as they participate in the NATO-led ISAF and KFOR missions.
![AHF Issues Statement on the 56th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution entitled, "The Hungarian 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight: A Nation of Heroes."](docs/AHF_1956-2012.gif) |
[Download] AHF's Statement on the 56th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution entitled, "The Hungarian 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight:
A Nation of Heroes." |
The Full Statement Appears below and available for [download]
The Hungarian 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight:
A Nation of Heroes
The American Hungarian Federation, founded over 100 years ago and the oldest and largest umbrella Hungarian American organization in the United States, honors those whose enormous sacrifice seemed futile 56 years ago but that today is universally recognized as having contributed to the ultimate demise of Soviet domination of Central and Eastern Europe and the restoration of constitutional democracy and independence in Hungary and the region.
Fifty-six years ago, Hungarians from all walks of life rose up against insurmountable odds to fight the brutal Soviet-installed Hungarian Communist government. Many died fighting, others were tortured and executed, while 200,000 were forced to flee their homeland.
We must never forget the heroes of 1956 – the students, the intellectuals, the workers, the farmers, indeed the cross-section of the entire Hungarian nation -- who were prepared to realize their dreams at great personal sacrifice. They fought and died for nothing that had not been promised them -- freedom, a multi-party democracy and independence from the Soviet Union.
Two of our great presidents, among many others who cherish freedom and the courage to struggle for it, remembered the Hungarian Revolution as follows:
"October 23, 1956, is a day that will live forever in the annals of free men and nations. It was a day of courage, conscience and triumph. No other day since history began has shown more clearly the eternal unquenchability of man's desire to be free, whatever the odds against success, whatever the sacrifice required." - John F. Kennedy, on the first anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution.
"The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a true revolution of, by and for the people. Its motivations were humanity's universal longings to live, worship, and work in peace and to determine one's own destiny. The Hungarian Revolution forever gave the lie to communism's claim to represent the people, and told the world that brave hearts still exist to challenge injustice.'' - Excerpt from Ronald Reagan's Presidential Proclamation issued on October 20, 1986.
1956 was not the first time in Hungary’s thousand year history that the Hungarian nation -- the people -- stood up for liberty, independence and democracy. One just needs to remember the Revolution of 1848 when Hungarians rose up against Hapsburg oppression and with Lajos Kossuth at the helm championed freedom and democracy. Or one can recall July 1944 when a Hungarian armored division blocked the deportation of more than 200,000 Jews in Nazi-occupied Hungary. Or one can point to 1945 when despite Soviet occupation, Hungarians resoundingly rejected the Communist Party and elected the Smallholders Party. In elections held on November 4, 1945, that democratic party won 57 percent of the votes while the Communist Party won a mere 17 percent. Then in the August 31, 1947 elections, the Communists could still only garner 22.3 percent of the votes despite Soviet intervention, fraud and intimidation. Hungarians once again unequivocally came down on the side of democracy and fundamental freedoms. These were precursors for what would happen in 1956 when Hungarians at a tremendous cost demanded and fought for political rights denied them by a brutal quisling regime and its Soviet masters.
If one can characterize a nation, there can be no doubt that Hungarians not only give lip service to the vaunted principles of democracy and national independence, but also, as their history so eloquently and repeatedly demonstrates, sacrifice life and treasure to achieve them.
Although unfamiliar with the details of this rich history and national character, a few today are quick to conclude (and have the international community believe) that the Hungarian people are less than committed to democracy when, in fact, Hungarians continue to be strong adherents of democratic values. As a member of NATO, Hungarians also continue to serve the cause of freedom, as they participate in the NATO-led ISAF and KFOR missions.
Consistent with its practice of fifty-five years, the American Hungarian Federation is committed to keep the memory of the heroes of 1956 alive. We also recall the impact the massive Soviet invasion and the brutal crushing of the unequivocal expression of Hungarians to be free had on the Hungarian communities in states neighboring Hungary and how minority rights are denied some of those communities even today. As we contemplate the promise of Hungary 1956, we are reminded that that promise must never be forgotten or abandoned, as the heroes of 1956 deserve nothing less.
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Related Article
„Magyarország elkötelezettje a demokratikus értékeknek” – '56-os ünnepségek az USA-ban: "...Az Amerikai Magyar Szövetség a történelem más eseményeivel kapcsolatban is bizonyítja a magyar nép töretlen szabadságvágyát. Példaként hozza az 1848-as forradalmat és szabadságharcot, azt az eseményt, amikor 1944-ben magyar páncélos ezred mentett meg kétszázezer zsidót a deportálástól a nácik által megszállt Magyarországon.
„Aki nem ismeri Magyarország gazdag történelmét, a nemzeti karaktert, arra az elhamarkodott következtetésre juthat – és képes a külföldi közvéleménnyel elhitetni –, hogy Magyarország ma nem igazán elkötelezett a demokrácia megőrzésében. Az igazság azonban az, hogy Magyarország továbbra is erős elkötelezettje a demokratikus értékeknek. A NATO tagjaként továbbra is szolgálja a szabadságot a NATO küldetések teljesítésében – írja Koszorús Ferenc, az Amerikai Magyar Szövetség elnöke." [tovább]
On October 22, 1956, a group of Hungarian students compiled a list of sixteen points containing key national policy demands. They were read at the foot of the General Bem statue, a Polish hero of the 1848 War of Liberation, in solidarity with the anti-communist demonstrations in Poznan, Poland. Following an anti-Soviet protest march through the Hungarian capital of Budapest, the students attempted to enter the city's main broadcasting station to read their demands on the air. The students were detained, and when people gathered outside the broadcasting station to call for their release, the state security police fired on the unarmed crowd, setting off the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Click the picture to read the 16 points! Read more / tovább
[ angolul magyarul]
October 23, 2012 - AHF Honors the heroes of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, the first tear in
the Iron Curtain. Hungarians from all walks of life rose up against insurmountable
odds to fight the brutal Soviet installed Hungarian communist government.
Thousands died fighting, others tortured and executed, while 200,000 were
forced to flee. 2012 marked the 56th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution. [Read more] and see Photos and Videos on AHF's 1956 Portal
AHF's work regarding the tragic events nearly 50 years ago, dates
back to the early days of the revolution and thereafter assisting
tens of thousands of refugees. In 1956 the American Hungarian Federation
activated the second Hungarian Relief program for the refugees of the
1956 Hungarian Revolution, providing $512,560.00.With the support of
the American Hungarian Federation, over 65,000 refugees arrived in the
USA. Get involved and help us continue our tradition of helping our community! Join Us! [Read more] and see Photos and Videos on AHF's 1956 Portal
Downloads:
- The Hungarian Revolution - Uprising, Budapest 1956:
A synoptic treatise of a major political event of the 20th Century,
a historically tragic period in the life of a nation commemorating the
50th Anniversary of the Revolution and the fallen brave - by Attila J.
Ürményházi (Hobart, Tasmania) and edited by
Bryan Dawson [download]
States that
have passed the 1956 Revolution 50th Anniversary Resolution:
| Texas | Ohio | Colorado | Maryland | Virginia |
| Massachusetts | Minnesota | Washington | California | South Dakota |
4/28/2006
- Texas became the first state to adopt the AHF 1956 resolution
(House Resolution 75). AHF extends sincere thanks to Texas Senator
Janek and Representative Woolley for introducing the measure and to AHF's
Texas Chapter President Chris Cutrone in Austin and Honorary Consul for
Hungary Phillip Aronoff in Houston for their efforts in securing the introuduction
of the resolution. The resolution's title: "Commemorating
the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and recognizing the sacrifices
of Hungarian Freedom Fighters, the contributions of Hungarian Americans,
and the friendship between the people and governments of the United States
and Hungary." Full text of the Texas resolution can be found on the Texas
House Website.
The Houston
Chronicle also published an Op-Ed calling attention to the resolution
by Hungarian Honorary Consul Phillip Aronoff in Houston and Bryan Dawson-Szilagyi,
AHF Chairman of the Executive Committee.
Ohio.
Special thanks to the Hon. Péter Ujvági, Ohio State Representative
(D) who successfully pushed the resolution (#212) through both state houses. [download the resolution] Ohio Governor Taft also issues a proclamation [download]
Colorado.
Special thanks to Jeno Megyessy for introducing a joint resolution that
also makes Octbober 23, 2006 "Hungarian Freedom Fighter's Day"
in Colorado!
[download]
Maryland.
Special thanks to Frank Kapitan for taking the lead in getting the resolution
passed! [download]
Virginia.
Special thanks to Laura Spinner for her leadership in getting Gov. Kaine
to issue this proclamation!
Massachusetts.
Special thanks to Hon. Consul of the Republic of Hungary in new England and the Massachusetts Hungarians! [download]
South Dakota.
State Legislature recognizes the sacrifices of the 1956 Freedom Fighters [download]
Minnesota.
Congratulations to the Minnesota Hungarians and thanks to the State Legislature for declaring "Hungarian Freedom Day." [download]
In
Memoriam
11/15/2005
- AHF President Emeritus, Entrepreneur, Freedom Activist,
and 1959 US "Citizen of the Year," George K. Haydu, passed away
after long illness. The death of this great humanitarian and
leader is a major loss for the Hungarian-American community and to all
his many friends. Despite many death threats and being shot in the leg
during "Loyalty Day" parade in New York City, George was undeterred
in his efforts to bring freedom to Hungary and comfort to refugees.
[read more about George Haydu]
or see [All Memorials]
--------------
5/19/2005
- Gergely "Bajusz" Pongratz, a leader
and hero of Hungary's anti-communist revolution of 1956, has died at age
73.
Pongratz suffered a heart attack on Wednesday in the southern
Hungarian town of Kiskunmajsa where he lived, said Dezso Abraham, secretary
general of the World Council of Hungarian 56ers revolutionary veterans
group. During the revolution, Pongratz was commander of one of the key
resistance groups fighting the Soviet army. [read
more].
--------------
12/10/2004 - JENO SZEREDAS,
90, Hungarian Freedom Fighter Federation Founder, AHF Member, and Noted
Artist Dies...
Jeno Andras Szeredas, Hungarian political activist and
Senator, 1956 Freedom Fighter, Founder of the Freedom Fighters Federation
in the United States, poet and artist of rare talent died quietly in his
sleep at his daughter's home in Connecticut on November 30. He had just
celebrated his 90th birthday.
Born in Iglo, Hungary (now Slovakia) in 1914, Mr. Szeredas
was both witness to and active participant in the turmoil sweeping over
Europe for the balance of the 20th century. [more]
- 1956 Portal - www.hungary1956.com
- The 1956 Institute,
headed by Dr. Janos Reiner, is a great site devoted to exploring the
1956 Hungarian Revolution in English and Hungarian.
- www.celebratingfreedom1956.org - The Cleveland Hungarian Revolution 50th Anniversary Committee (CHR50)
is organizing a major observance event of this important historical
milestone on October 21st and 22nd, 2006 in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Magyar
Radio Online - includes many audio files and an analysis in Hungarian:
"Ki húzta meg a ravaszt eloször 1956. október
23-án?" "Who was the first to pull the trigger?"
Time
Magazine gave Hungarian Freedom Fighters the title "Man of
the Year" on July 1, 1957. "The Freedom Fighters filled
the empty bottles with gasoline and corked them with table napkins,
making what they called 'benzine flashes."
- www.FamousHungarians.com - offers information on 1956, the 1956 Olympics, the popular
"Nobel Prize Winners and Famous Hungarians," resources on
Trianon, Transylvania, History, Music, and more.
- Wikipedia - the free, online encyclopedia that allows readers to manage its
content!
- The 1956
Institute in Hungary (1956-os Intézet)
- The 1956
Hungarian Revolution Historical Documentation and Research Foundation in Hungary - a source for thousands of photographs from the period
- The National
Security Archive at The George Washington University provides
a wealth of information on the 1956 Revolution available for download
in PDF.
- The
1956 Hungarian Revolution - a short chronology of events with
pictures
- Pal
Maleter on Wikipedia - the military leader of the Hungarian Revolution
- www.sulinet.hu has as site that transcribed many of the various speeches given before,
during, and after the revolution - a fascinating chronology from Nagy
to Mindszenty. (Hungarian)
- Az
1956-os Magyar Forradalom igaz története - in Hungarian.
"What the history books left out." Published by the 1956
World Federation.
- Az
1956-os forradalom története Esztergomban - The Revolution
in Esztergom (in Hungarian)
- Arcok
és sorsok - a great site with photos and biographies of
some 1956 Freedom Fighters
- Nagy
Imre október 23-án: Nagy Imre október 23-án
eleinte hallani sem akart arról, hogy a Parlamentbe menjen
és szóljon a tömeghez. Ám mégis megtette.
Döbbenetet érezhetett, amikor lenézett a Parlament
ablakából, s akkor is, amikor kifütyülték
az „elvtárs” megszólítást.
Beszéde az alant álló ismeretlen erovel szembeni
aggodalmát és szorongását mutatja.
Memorials
Dedicated to 1956
"October 23, 1956, is a day that will live forever
in the annals of free men and nations. It was a day of courage, conscience
and triumph. No other day since history began has shown more clearly the
eternal unquenchability of man's desire to be free, whatever the odds
against success, whatever the sacrifice required."-
President John F. Kennedy,
on the first anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution.
- Denver, Colorado - statue and "Hungarian Freedom Park"
- Toronto, Ont - statue and park
- Erie, PA - Memorial and square (Thanks to v. Juhasz Ferenc,
AHF, VP)
- Fairfield, CT - Memorial plaque in Town Hall (2003)
- Berkeley Springs, WV - plaque, cemetery, and church (TX to
Mrs. 'Sally' Gyorik, Ft Vitez Baan OFP)
- Boston, Mass - Liberty Square statue and square by George
Hollosy
- Los Angeles, CA - statue by Arpad Domjan (1966)
(TX to Czene Ferenc and LA Hungarians)
- New York - Plaque at East River/92d Str
- Lorantffy House, Akron, Ohio 1956 - Plaque
- North Olmstead , Ohio - Plaque and cemetery (Thanks to Dobolyi
Arpad & Juhasz Ferenc AHF VP)
- Loraine, Ohio - Statue under construction
- Miami, Fl - First Hungarian Church Stained Glass Windows
- Camp Kilmer - plaque now in New Brunswick, New Jersey
- Cleveland, Ohio - Cardinal Jozsef Mindszenty statue and square
- New Brunswick, NJ - Mindszenty statue and square
- Miami - Mindszenty Str. (27th Str) NW (TX to Tarr Sandor,
Honorary Consul)
- Budapest - statue/plaque at the Chain bridge in Buda by Ocsay
Karoly
- Korvin koz - statue of the young freedom fighter
- Budapest, Prime Minister Imre Nagy Gravsite and Memorial
- Budapest, II kerulet; Manheimer Statue
- Budapest, XIII kerulet: Park of Statues: granite obelisk
- Budapest, XIII kerulet: Park of Statues: Plaque of the martyrs
(2000 Oct. 23)
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![Hungarian Freedom Park in Denver Colorado and its memorial to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution](images/1956_denver_memorial.gif)
![The 1956 memorial in Toronto, Canada](images/1956_toronto_memorial.jpg)
![Gyuri Hollosi's memorial to 1956 in Boston's Liberty Square](images/1956_boston_memorial.gif)
![AHF's Lajos Bartucz at the Passaic NJ Memorial to the 1956 Hungarian Revolution](images/1956_passaic_memorial.gif)
![Stained Glass memorial to 1956 at Miami's First Hungarian Church of Christ](images/1956_miami_memorial.gif)
![1956 Memorial in Eger, Hungary](images/1956_eger_memorial.gif)
![The 1956 Hungarian Revolution Memorial at Szena Ter in Budapest](images/1956_budapest_memorial_SzenaTer.gif)
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Albert
Camus' Stirring Letter to the World:
"The Blood of the Hungarians"
I am not one of those who wish to see the people of Hungary
take up arms again in a rising certain to be crushed, under the eyes of
the nations of the world, who would spare them neither applause nor pious
tears, but who would go back at one to their slippers by the fireside
like a football crowd on a Sunday evening after a cup final.
There are already too many dead on the field, and we cannot
be generous with any but our own blood. The blood of Hungary has re-emerged
too precious to Europe and to freedom for us not to be jealous of it to
the last drop.
But I am not one of those who think that there can be a
compromise, even one made with resignation, even provisional, with a regime
of terror which has as much right to call itself socialist as the executioners
of the Inquisition had to call themselves Christians.
And on this anniversary of liberty, I hope with all my
heart that the silent resistance of the people of Hungary will endure,
will grow stronger, and, reinforced by all the voices which we can raise
on their behalf, will induce unanimous international opinion to boycott
their oppressors.
And if world opinion is too feeble or egoistical to do
justice to a martyred people, and if our voices also are too weak, I hope
that Hungary’s resistance will endure until the counter-revolutionary
State collapses everywhere in the East under the weight of its lies and
contradictions.
Hungary conquered and in chains has done more for freedom
and justice than any people for twenty years. But for this lesson to get
through and convince those in the West who shut their eyes and ears, it
was necessary, and it can be no comfort to us, for the people of Hungary
to shed so much blood which is already drying in our memories.
In Europe’s isolation today, we have only one way
of being true to Hungary, and that is never to betray, among ourselves
and everywhere, what the Hungarian heroes died for, never to condone,
among ourselves and everywhere, even indirectly, those who killed them.
It would indeed be difficult for us to be worthy of such
sacrifices. But we can try to be so, in uniting Europe at last, in forgetting
our quarrels, in correcting our own errors, in increasing our creativeness,
and our solidarity. We have faith that there is on the march in the world,
parallel with the forces of oppression and death which are darkening our
history, a force of conviction and life, an immense movement of emancipation
which is culture and which is born of freedom to create and of freedom
to work.
Those Hungarian workers and intellectuals, beside whom
we stand today with such impotent sorrow, understood this and have made
us the better understand it. That is why, if their distress is ours, their
hope is ours also. In spite of their misery, their chains, their exile,
they have left us a glorious heritage which we must deserve: freedom,
which they did not win, but which in one single day they gave back to
us. (October 23, 1957)
AHF dedicates this work
to the memory of all our comrades who passed during those faithful days
of October, 1956.
- Read this in German, Hungarian, French, and Spanish on this AHF member
site, the [American
Hungarian Museum]
Join online!
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