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AHF eNews, May - June 2009

2009 Membership Drive!
AHF is an all-volunteer, non-partisan, 501(c)(3) organization focused on common ground issues. Serving the community since 1906, we need your support! Only in unity can we find strength! [join now] or [donate!]

Additional Features

  • Looking Back: AHF History
  • Featured Member
  • Featured Article
  • Corporate Sponsor

  • How Hungary Shrank: 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 who were ignorant or ignored the region’s history, and mercilessly tore that country apart. By drawing artificial borders in gross violation of the ethnic principle, it also transferred over three million indigenous ethnic Hungarians and over 70% of the country's territory to foreign rule.6/4/2009 - The 89th Anniversary of Hungary's Dismemberment... AHF Remembers Trianon. The statement reads, "Trianon is not a relic of the past to be ignored.  As several recent publications astutely suggest, Trianon, as part of a blunder of a massive scale, had far-reaching consequences that are still with us today and continue to affect both the lives of the Hungarian historical communities found in states neighboring Hungary and the region." [read more]


    "Global Unity:" Hungarian Reformed Churches Unite5/22/2009 - Globális egyesülés – A Kárpát-medencei egység után jövőre megalakul a Református Világközösség / "Global Unity:" Hungarian Reformed Churches Unite... On May 22, 2009 the Reformed Churches in the Carpathian Basin expressed their unity by accepting a common constitution. This is an tremendously symbolic action uniting Hungarian communities throughout the Carpathian Basin for the first time since Trianon.

    On a related note, the Budapest – Pannonhalma Magtár Művészeti Alapítvány is publishing a new leather-bound edition of the Vizsoly Bible with an accompanying DVD. [read more]


    The American Hungarian Federation Participates in White House Meeting on April 24, 20094/25/2009 - The American Hungarian Federation Participates in White House Meeting... On April 24, 2009, the Central and East European Coalition (CEEC) met with Jeffrey M. Hovenier, Director for Central and Eastern Europe, National Security Council, and Katherine M. Helgerson, Director for Southeast European Affairs, National Security Council. [read more]


    1956 Statue Prototype by Gyuri HollosyContinuing 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! [read more]


    AHF Store on Buy ALL your books, videos, electronics and other gifts on AHF's Amazon Store. It costs nothing extra to you, but Amazon contributes a small percentage to AHF

    Buy ALL your books, videos, electronics and other gifts on AHF's Amazon Store. It costs nothing extra to you, but Amazon contributes a small percentage to AHF. The AHF store features books and articles written by AHF members on both our main site and our 1956 Portal for publications devoted to 1956.

    The latest member books added:

    "Life Behind the Iron Curtain" by Susanna (Zsuzsánna) Lápossy is available on AHF's Amazon bookstore! Click to order!Lapossy, Susanna (Zsuzsanna):
    Life Behind the Iron Curtain. [Read more] about the book or purchase the book on "Life Behind the Iron Curtain" by Susanna (Zsuzsánna) Lápossy is available on AHF's Amazon bookstore! Click to order

    "The Old lady and the Fawn," the first bilingual edition of "Öreg néne ozikéje" (Hungarian)Simon, Paul M: "The Old lady and the Fawn," the first bilingual edition of "Öreg néne ozikéje" (Hungarian)
    Order now at Simpa Books

    For 12 days, countless Hungarian teenagers fought in the bloody Hungarian Revolution against Communist tyranny and overwhelming Soviet armor. They set up tank barricades, tossed Molotov cocktails, and with their confiscated Russian submachine guns made a stand on the streets of Budapest, hoping to hold out until help arrived from the West. But there was no help. Nobody came to their aid. Peter Hargitai's "Daughter of the Revolution," is the story of one such brave freedom fighter-a 14 year-old girl.Professor Peter Hargitai's Daughter of the Revolution: A Novel (2006 - A story of a brave freedom fighter - a 14 year-old girl)
    [read more]

    Rebecca McEldowney's "Soul of Flesh: A Novel of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution"Rebecca McEldowney's "Soul of Flesh: A Novel of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution" [read more]
     
    Dr. Katalin Kadar Lynn's "Tibor Eckhard in His Own Words: An Autobiography"Dr. Katalin Kadar Lynn's "Tibor Eckhardt in His Own Words: An Autobiography" [read more]

    AHF Thanks these Sponsors:

    Hungary's Zala Springs Resort is Hungary’s first master planned and biggest golf and thermal spa resort community, which is unique both in Hungary and in Central EuropeThe Zala Springs Resort
    Hungary's Zala Springs Resort is Hungary’s first master planned and biggest golf and thermal spa resort community, which is unique both in Hungary and in Central Europe. [read more]

    Author Susanna (Zsuzsanna) Lápossy is a Freedom Circle Member of the American Hungarian Federation. Her book, the first part of a trilogy entitled "Life behind the iron curtain" contains lesser-known facts about 20th century Hungary as seen through a middle-class familyAuthor Susanna (Zsuzsanna) Lápossy is a Freedom Circle Member of the American Hungarian Federation. Her book, the first part of a trilogy entitled "Life behind the iron curtain" contains lesser-known facts about 20th century Hungary as seen through a middle-class family. [Read more]


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    2805 56th Place
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    AHF members and guests commemorate the 1956 Hungarian Revolution at the Victims of Communism Memorial in Washington, DCINVITATION
    June 16, 2009, Washington, DC: Laszlo Tokes awarded Truman-Reagan Medal of Freedom: Victims of Communism Memorial, Wreath Laying Ceremony, and Reception. A FULL-DAY PROGRAM [read more]
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    Policy Seminar on the Obama/Medvedev Summit to be held on Capitol HillINVITATION
    June 10, 2009, Washington, DC
    : Policy Seminar on the Obama / Medvedev Summit to be held on Capitol Hill...
    The American Hungarian Federation on behalf of the Central and East European Coalition Invites you to a policy seminar: “Security in Central and Eastern Europe on the Eve of the Obama/Medvedev Summit” [read more]


    Looking Back... AHF History

    AHF 100 YEARS DISPLAY: AHF and the Kossuth Bust in the US CapitolThe Kossuth Bust in the United States Capitol..."The spirit of our age is Democracy. 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." - Louis Kossuth, spoken before the Ohio State Legislature, February 16, 1852, more than a decade before Lincoln's Gettysburg Address. Kossuth was the leader of the 1848-1849 Hungarian War of Liberation against Austria commemorated on March 15th, Hungarian National Day.

    Hungarian Interim President Matyas Szuros with Congressmen Dick Gephardt, Tom Foley, and Secretary of Labor Elizabeth DoleTo celebrate and commemorate the friendship and shared values between the people of the United States and those of Hungarian descent, the American Hungarian Federation commissioned a bronze bust of Lajos Kossuth and offered it to U.S. Congress. [read more]


    Featured Books and Articles

    AHF has begun featuring articles written by distinguished AHF members. AHF encourages all members to submit scholarly essays, books, and other materials which will be featured on our Publications page. 1956 Revolution-related materials are featured on www.hungary1956.com

    The current selection is Banjin, the latest novel by acclaimed Emmy-nominated cinematographer Andrew LaszloThe current selection is Banjin, the latest novel by acclaimed Emmy nominated cinematographer Andrew Laszlo... The current selection is Banjin, the latest novel by acclaimed Emmy-nominated cinematographer Andrew LaszloOne reader wote: "BANJIN picks up more than 200 years after Shogun. The year is 1843. Another shipwreck. A Japanese boy, Masahiro, is blown in storm away from his village to a desolate island, rescued by American whalers and brought to New Bedford, Massachusetts in a voyage that would make Conrad, Melville or Dana proud. As John Mong, the boy is well educated at Exeter, advises Congress, goes back to sea, joins the Gold Rush in California, and returns home to Japan. He becomes Lord Tanaka Masahiro, and helps open Japan to the west as a leading character in the Meiji Restoration.

    There's enough action, intrigue, passion and character development to fill a half-dozen regular novels or Hollywood movies."
    [read more and buy it!]


    Cultural News and Upcoming Events
    To announce a Hungarian cultural event, please contact the AHF Cultural Affairs Committee, Zoltan Bagdy, Chair and see all [cultural news]
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    The National Museum of Women in the Arts hosts an exhibit of Hungarian women photographers, during the 1910-1946 period. March 20 - July 5, 2009March 20-July 5, 2009:
    Washington, D.C.
    Hungarian Women Photographers,
    1910-1946

    The National Museum of Women in the Arts hosts an exhibit of Hungarian women photographers, during the 1910-1946 period. The exhibition explores the career of women photographers, from those who often filled the positions of male photographers who joined military service to those who dedicated their work to the pursuit of social justice by disseminating images of the poor during the economic crisis of the 1920’s. The museum is located at 1250 New York Avenue, NW., Washington, DC; telephone 202 783-5000. [read more]
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    The Annual Golf Tournament is one of the most eagerly anticipated fraternal events sponsored each year by the William Penn AssociationPittsburgh PA, July 18, 2009:
    William Penn Association Annual Scholarship Golf Outing
    ...The Annual Golf Tournament is one of the most eagerly anticipated fraternal events sponsored each year by the Association.
    [More Information]
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    Hungarian Heritage Week - William Penn Association - Rockwood, PARockwood, PA, August 2–8 2009: Hungarian Heritage Week - William Penn Association...As part of our commitment to promoting our Hungarian heritage, the Association sponsors a week-long Hungarian Language Camp each summer at Penn Scenic View. Each camp offers language instruction on two levels, beginner and intermediate, and is limited to a total of 25 students. [More Information]
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    William Penn Annual Fraternal Fest - Rockwood, PARockwood, PA - September 12, 2009: William Penn Annual Fraternal Fest...The Annual Picnic is one of the Association's newest, fastest growing Hungarian fraternal events. Hundreds, and even thousands, of our members and guests from across the country gather for a day of Hungarian fellowship at Penn Scenic View in Rockwood, PA. Each year we prepare a special Hungarian menu but one thing that remains constant is that each year everyone enjoys good Hungarian food, music and dancing. [More Information]


    AHF Member News

    Featured Member:

    The current selection is Banjin, the latest novel by acclaimed Emmy-nominated cinematographer Andrew LaszloAndrew Laszlo was born László András on January 12, 1926 in Pápa, Hungary... His education in one of Hungary’s best private schools was interrupted by the German occupation of Hungary on March 19, 1944. Shortly after, Mr. Laszlo was conscripted into a forced labor unit of the Hungarian Army. He escaped twice and was recaptured and transported to the Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp in Germany, and from there to the Theresienstadt Concentration Camp in Czechoslovakia. Having survived the camps but losing his family, he immigrated to the United States on January 17, 1947. He was the first person drafted from New York City during the Korean War and spent two years in the United States Army Signal Corps as a combat cameraman with the rank of Sergeant.

    After being honorably discharged from the service Andrew Laszlo eventually established himself as a cinematographer and rose to prominence as one of Hollywood’s top cinematographers. His career in film and television spans nearly fifty years, from the original “PHIL SILVERS SHOW” (Sgt. Bilko) to Walt Disney Pictures “NEWSIES,” "RAMBO: First Blood," "POLTERGEIST II," and "STAR TREK V: The Final Frontier."After being honorably discharged from the service he eventually established himself as a cinematographer and rose to prominence as one of Hollywood’s top cinematographers. His career in film and television spans nearly fifty years, from the original “PHIL SILVERS SHOW” (Sgt. Bilko) to Walt Disney Pictures “NEWSIES,” "RAMBO: First Blood," "POLTERGEIST II," and "STAR TREK V: The Final Frontier." Read more about him on [Featured Members]