As the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence, the American Hungarian Federation has taken an active role in ensuring that Colonel Kováts receives the recognition he deserves as one of the distinguished foreign-born officers who helped secure American freedom.
On December 14, 2025, the AHF participated in Charleston’s official South Carolina 250 commemorations at Marion Square, marking Victory Day and the anniversary of the British evacuation of Charleston in 1782. During this significant public observance, AHF Vice President Richard Varga delivered remarks highlighting Colonel Kováts’s life, military service, sacrifice, and enduring contributions to the American Revolution and the founding of the United States Cavalry.
The AHF delegation included President Dr. Imre Namath, President Emeritus Ákos L. Nagy, Executive Committee Chairman and General Counsel Paul Kamenar, Esq., and Vice President Richard Varga. Their participation represented an important contribution to the commemoration of America’s 250-year history and underscored the historic bonds between Hungary and the United States.
The Charleston visit concluded at The Citadel, where the delegation conducted a wreath-laying ceremony at the Colonel Kováts Memorial, originally dedicated by the American Hungarian Federation in 1955. This ceremony reaffirmed the Federation’s longstanding commitment to preserving his memory and ensuring that future generations recognize his contributions to American independence.
During their visit, the delegation also participated in a roundtable discussion at the South Carolina Historical Society with distinguished South Carolina historian Professor Walter Edgar. The group was welcomed at the Washington Light Infantry Armory and visited the historic Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, where a plaque commemorates Colonel Kováts.
A Lasting Memorial to a Hungarian Hero of the American Revolution
The AHF’s participation in Charleston’s official 250th anniversary commemorations represent more than a tribute to the past. It is part of a continuing effort to secure lasting public recognition for Colonel Kováts and his extraordinary contributions to the founding of our nation.
Together with The Hungary Foundation, the American Hungarian Federation is working to establish a permanent equestrian statue of Colonel Kováts in Marion Square, Charleston—a fitting tribute in the city where he gave his life for American independence.
We invite our members, friends, and supporters to join us in this historic undertaking by contributing to the Michael Kováts Memorial Campaign.
Please support the statue campaign through our GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/bad09b3
The Hungary Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions to the Michael Kováts Memorial Campaign are tax-deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. Donors will receive an emailed acknowledgment letter from The Hungary Foundation for tax purposes.
Together, we can ensure that Colonel Michael Kováts de Fabriczy receives the permanent recognition he deserves and preserve the remarkable legacy of a Hungarian patriot who gave his life for American freedom.
