AHF eNews May-June 2007, The American Hungarian Federation

AHF NATIONAL NEWS

Enduring Strains of Communism in Central and Eastern Europe: A distinguished panel of experts convened by Hudson’s Center for European Studies offered their perspectives. 6/14/2007 - Enduring Strains of Communism in Central and Eastern Europe: A distinguished panel of experts convened by Hudson’s Center for European Studies offered their perspectives. Panelists included The Honorable Dr. János Horváth, member of the Hungarian Parliament and Professor of Economics Emeritus at Indiana’s Butler University; Keith Smith, senior associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, consultant on international energy affairs, and former diplomat to Europe for over thirteen years, including a final posting as U.S. ambassador to Lithuania; and Frank Koszorus Jr., former chairman of the private-sector NATO Enlargement Working Group’s steering committee and co-president of the American Hungarian Federation.[read more]

6/14/2007 - "There are no Nationalities in Romania?" The American Hungarian Federation Co-Hosts Lecture by Bishop Arpad Szabo from Kolozsvar... The Federation and the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America (HRFA) sponsored a presentation by Dr. Arpad Szabo entitled "In Europe, but . . ." at the HRFA Kossuth House. Bishop Szabo is the head of the Unitarian Church in Romania and is in the United States to attend the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association. The Federation’s program was the latest in its Central and Eastern Europe Lecture Series.. [read more]

The Victims of Communism Memorial was dedicated by President George W. Bush in a morning ceremony on Tuesday, June 12th, 2007. 6/12/2007 - President Bush dedicates the Victims of Communism Memorial on Tuesday, June 12th. Washington's newest memorial honors the 100 million people who have been killed by communist totalitarian regimes worldwide. AHF is proud to have contributed to this great effort. AHF leaders attended the Gala Awards Ceremony that same evening where Bishop Laszlo Tokes delivered a stirring convocation. [read more]

6/4/2007 - "Trianon: Tragedy, Dissolution, and Remedy." Frank Koszorus, Jr. and the AHF International Relations Committee release essay on treaty's 87th anniversary. "...Ostensibly in the name of national self-determination, the Treaty dismembered the thousand-year-old Kingdom of Hungary, a self-contained, geographically and economically coherent and durable formation in the Carpathian Basin and boasting the longest lasting historical borders in Europe. It was imposed on Hungary without any negotiation by vengeful leaders... it also transferred over three million indigenous ethnic Hungarians and over 70% of the country's territory to foreign rule." [read more]

About 40 members and guests and throngs of tourists witnessed the special ceremony as AHF President Atilla Micheller was escorted by Lt. Col. Steve Vekony (US Army) and the First Califiornia Hussar Regiment. 5/27/2007 - AHF lays wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The American Hungarin Federation's 2007 Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery included a wreath laying the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. About 40 members and guests and throngs of AHF lays wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The American Hungarin Federation's 2007 Memorial Day Commemoration Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery included a wreath laying the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. tourists witnessed the special ceremony as AHF President Atilla Micheller was escorted by Lt. Col. Steve Vekony (US Army) and the First Califiornia Hussar Regiment. Arlington National is the final resting place for a number of Hungarian American Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. Following the wreath laying, the program included a remembrance and walking tour of Hungarian-American gravesites. [read more]

Representatives of the American Hungarian Federation met with the Honorable Janos Horvath on May 2, 2007 in Washington, D.C. at the Kossuth House. Seen here left to right: Gyula Balogh (AHF Co-President), Erika Fedor (former AHF National Secretary), and Dr. Janos Horvath. 5/8/2007 - Representatives of the American Hungarian Federation met with the Honorable Janos Horvath on May 2, 2007 in Washington, D.C. at the Kossuth House.... Dr. Horvath generously spent over three hours with representatives of the American Hungarian Federation and gave a detailed presentation of his work and the situation in Hungary, including why Hungary is not living up to its potential. Part of the AHF Central and Eastern Europe Lecture Series. [read more]

The Annual Hungarian May Ball - A very special evening benefitting AHF's 100th Anniversary programs and the Hungarian Scouts of Washington! 5/5/2007 - The Annual Hungarian May Ball - A very special evening benefitting AHF's 100th Anniversary programs and the Hungarian Scouts of Washington! WASHINGTONI 4. SZ. BÁTORI JÓZSEF CSERKÉSZCSAPAT A very special evening that included 4 debutantes from the metropolitan Washington area. This year's proceeds from the black-tie affair were equally shared to help cover the costs of the Hungarian Scouts participation in the 21st World Scout Jamboree in England and the Federation's 2007 100th Anniversary programs. [read more]

Ongoing - ACTION ALERT: Help build the Congressional Friends of Hungary (CFH)... On February 12, Congressman Tom Lantos (D-CA), Chairman of the U.S. Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Congressman Christopher Shays (R-CT) circulated a "Dear Colleague" letter inviting Members of Congress to join the Congressional Friends of Hungary (CFH). The purpose of the caucus, as noted by the co-chairs, is "to recognize the contributions of Hungarian-Americans to the United States and to strengthen the ties between the United States and Hungary."

How can you help?

1) Copy the sample letter below, paste it into a document and fill in the blanks
2) Save the document to your hard drive, print it and sign it
3) Find your local state representatives by entering your zip code in the tool on our Website at [ALERTS]. This legislative tool will provide addresses, emails, fax and phone numbers.

IT IS BEST TO CALL and then FAX the letter.

What to Say?

"Hello, my name is _____. I am a constituent of Representative _____ and also a member of the American Hungarian Federation. On February 12th, Congressmen Tom Lantos and Christopher Shays distributed a "Dear Colleague Letter" entitled
"Join the Congressional Friends of Hungary." I am calling to ask the Congressman to join the CFH. I and the other Americans of Hungarian descent in his/her district would be grateful for his/her support. I will fax you a letter that also includes the contact name in Congressman Lantos' office should you need more information."

The Letter:

The Honorable [name of your Congressman]
United States House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20210

Dear Congressman ________:

I am one of your constituents who lives in ______. I
call your attention to the "Dear Colleague Letter" distributed on February 12, 2007 by Congressmen Tom Lantos and Christopher Shays, titled "Join the Congressional Friends of Hungary." I urge you to consider joining this Congressional Caucus, whose main purpose is to strengthen the ties between the American and Hungarian people and to recognize the Hungarian-American community. There are a number of Hungarian-Americans in your district and our community would be grateful for your support. Your wise counsel would be an asset in the operation of this caucus, particularly in the areas of human rights and minority rights. Maryamu Aminu in Congressman Lantos' office (at x6-7766 or
maryamu.aminu@mail.house.gov) will be able to provide further information.

Sincerely yours,

[Your name]

Continuing News: AHF continues call for support of a 1956 Statue for the Nation's Capital...AHF's 1956 Commemoration Committee is seeking your help to erect a statue in Washington, D.C. devoted to the heroes of the Hungarian Revolution. The AHF plan calls for an actual-size statue to be placed prominently in Washington while we raise funds for its bronze replacement. Seen here with his prototype design is renowned sculptor Gyuri Hollosy, who was responsible for the Boston Liberty Square memorial. At the recent Capitol Reception honoring 1848, Congressman Tom Lantos mentioned his intent to place a 1956 memorial in Washington. We must ensure this remarkable design is selected! Contact bryandawson@americanhungarianfederation.org and join the 1956 Commemoration Committee!

100 Éves a Nemzetközi Cserkészmozgalom!
Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of International Scouting: 1907 - 2007.

Scouting started in 1907 when Robert Baden-Powell, Lieutenant General in the British Army, held the first Scouting encampment at Brownsea Island in England for 20 boys from a wide variety of social backgrounds. Today, Scouting is a million times bigger than when it first started. It involves girls and boys, men and women from every race, religion and culture, and nearly every country in the world.

The Magyar Cserkészszövetség, the primary national Scouting organization of Hungary, was founded in 1912. Help AHF help the Washington Scouts cover the costs of their participation in the 21st World Scout Jamboree in England! [read more]

Continuing news - A Centennial Celebration! The American Hungarian Federation turned 100 - Join and help us represent the interests of our community! The American Hungarian Federation (AHF), was founded in 1906 in Cleveland, Ohio. Among the oldest ethnic organizations in the US, AHF was established as an association of Hungarian societies, institutions and churches to "defend the interest of Americans of Hungarian origin in the United States." The American Hungarian Federation strives to unite the American Hungarian community through work that supports common goals. AHF is a national, non-partisan, independent umbrella organization representing the interests of the Hungarian American community. [more about us]

Strength can only be found in unity! Please join AHF and work together on common ground issues!

There are two easy ways to Join and Support us!

1) Online Processing (fastest):

Join online! AHF accepts all major credit cards and checks. AHF is a 501c(3) non-profit organization. Your donations may be tax deductible. Your information is secure not shared with anyone. [Join Online Here]

2) The Old-Fashioned Way:

If you are uncomfortable or unable to process an Internet transaction, download the AHF Membership Registration Form and mail it in with your check payable to "American Hungarian Federation." NOTE: If you are sending a donation for a specific fund, please be sure to include that on the form. (You do not need to become a member to donate):

American Hungarian Federation
C/O Sandor Murray, Treasurer
2805 56th Place
Woodside NY 11377

For technical assistance, contact bryandawson@americanhungarianfederation.org