10/23/2009
- The White House Issues Statement Commemorating the 53rd anniversary of the Hungarian uprising of 1956... "
We commemorate today the 53rd anniversary of the Hungarian uprising of 1956. On October 23, 1956, the Hungarian people stood up against tyranny in the name of freedom, bravely rising up to oppose the Communist regime which had been imposed upon them by the Soviet Union. During this uprising, many Hungarians died to defend and advance their country’s freedom and independence..."
The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release October 23, 2009
Statement by the Press Secretary on the 53rd anniversary of the Hungarian uprising of 1956
We commemorate today the 53rd anniversary of the Hungarian uprising of 1956.
On October 23, 1956, the Hungarian people stood up against tyranny in the name of freedom, bravely rising up to oppose the Communist regime which had been imposed upon them by the Soviet Union. During this uprising, many Hungarians died to defend and advance their country’s freedom and independence.
Although the uprising itself was brutally put down by more than 200,000 Soviet troops, the hopes and democratic yearnings of the Hungarian nation were not defeated, and served as an example for the world. For 53 years, the Hungarian peoples' struggle against authoritarianism and for freedom and democracy has inspired people around the world. Their struggle was an inspiration to the peoples of Central and Eastern Europe, who in 1989 threw off the shackles of communism and chose freedom and democracy. It is no coincidence that the “Iron Curtain” was breached in the summer of 1989 by Hungarians seeking freedom.
Today, Hungary is anchored in the West as a member of NATO and the European Union, and its former place behind the Iron Curtain is a relic of history. Hungary is part of a peaceful, united and free Europe, and has taken its place as a close ally that partners with us around the world to respond to our common challenges.
We honor those brave Hungarian patriots of 1956, just as we honor all those who show the courage to promote change. {See the White House Statement}
[<< Back to all 1956 News]
[<< Back to All AHF News]
| [<< Back to all 1956 News]
New
Video posted to the AHF 1956 Portal! "News Magazine of the Screen"
presented "Flight from Hungary" in early 1957 featuring video
taken after the brutal Soviet re-occupation. "This is battered Budapest
under the brutal Russian boot, Soviet tanks roam the streets under the
ruins they laid as communist secret police hunt down heroic Freedom Fighters.
25,000 Hungarians are dead." A fascinating video, it also includes
news about the Suez Crisis and more glimpes into life during this time.
[See all our Videos]
The 1956 Hungarian Revolution was 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. 2006 marked the 50th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution.
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!
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-Szilágyi [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.
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-Szilágyi [download]
- US Postal
Service 1956 Petition
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)
|







|
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!
|