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AHF eNews May-June 2007, The American Hungarian Federation – Founded 1906

www.americanhungarianfederation.org / amsz.org / hungary1956.com

Top AHF National Headlines, May-June 2007

2007 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]

May and June were especially busy months for the Federation! See what your support makes possible!

Announcements / AHF Member News

Additional Features

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]

The Rev. Arpad Szabo of Romania is Bishop of the Unitarian Church of Romania. The Unitarian Church was founded in 1567 in Transylvania, then an organic part of Hungary. Transylvania was transferred to Romania by the Treaty of Trianon following the First World War. There are currently over 80,000 Unitarians in Rumania.

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]

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.

6/4/2007 – “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.
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.

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 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!
WASHINGTONI 4. SZ. BÁTORI JÓZSEF CSERKÉSZCSAPAT

5/5/2007 – The Annual Hungarian May Ball – A very special evening benefitting AHF’s 100th Anniversary programs and the Hungarian Scouts of Washington! 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]

1956 Statue Prototype by Gyuri Hollosy

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!

The Magyar Cserkészszövetség, the primary national Scouting organization of Hungary, was founded in 1912, and became a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1990.

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]

AHF turns 100! Join us and help us represent our community

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]

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. 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:

  • 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) Buy it now on Professor Peter Hargitai's Daughter of the Revolution: A Novel (2006 - A story of a brave freedom fighter - a 14 year-old girl) Buy it on Amazon
  • 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 Eckhard in His Own Words: An Autobiography” [read more]

Buy all your products through our Amazon store and help AHF!

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 the American Hungarian Federation!

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

© 2003 – 2007 American Hungarian Federation® All Rights Reserved

AHF Special Announcements

Join AHF and help your community through unity and common ground!

Renew your membership! Only in unity can we find strength. AHF is an all-volunteer organization that focuses on common-ground issues. We need your support! JOIN AHF online!

or download the AHF Membership Registration Form

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Sponsor

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

The Zala Springs ResortHungary’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]

Featured Member

Balazs Szabo, is a world-renowned artist and "1956 refugee #M14543."

Balazs Szabo, is a world-renowned artist and “1956 refugee #M14543.” In the aftermath of the bloody Hungarian Revolution, the Szabo family was under Hungarian AVO house arrest. On November 20, they fled toward the Austrian border. The turmoil of WWII and the Hungarian Revolution and their impacts on him and his family influenced Balazs, the younger son of one of Hungary’s most celebrated young classical actors Sandor Szabo, greatly. Balázs and his family fled the country separately during the 1956 Revolution and were reunited in America. He has written a historical memoir about his dramatic escape from Hungary “A Knock In the Night.”

Sándor Szabó, who learned English within a year, became the best known actor of Hungarian descent on Broadway and went on to a prolific 63-year career as a character actor in film and television

His father, Sándor Szabó, who learned English within a year, became the best known actor of Hungarian descent on Broadway and went on to a prolific 63-year career as a character actor in film and television. His book “Országom, Visszanyertem eén…” chronicles his escape from Hungary in 1956 and his life in New York and Hollywood. See Sándor’s filmography on IMDB

Read more about Balázs on
[Featured Members]

Florida

In Memoriam

Dr. Paul J. Szilagyi, 2006 recipient of The Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats Medal of Freedom from the American Hungarian Federation, passed away on June 9th, 2007

AHF mourns the loss of Dr. Paul J. Szilagyi, Father, Professor, Nagypapa, AHF Leader, and Hungarian Freedom Fighter…

“Apuka,” “Pali,” Dr. Paul Szilagyi, passed away suddenly, June 9th, of a heart attack at the age of 71. We will miss his unique humor, wisdom, and precious, colorful life. His extreme humility left much of his past hidden, even from me. I do know Paul was a “Pesti Srac” (Kid from Pest), young Freedom Fighters during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution…. [he] would become the only Hungarian American to complete his Ph.D. under the tutelage of Dr. George Olah, Nobel Prize Winner and fellow Hungarian with whom he would go on to publish a number of scientific papers. “Dr. Szilagyi” would become an expert in organic chemistry, but few know that he also has numerous patents for his biomedical inventions.[read more]

Memorial Services
12 pm, July 8, 2007
First Hungarian United
Church of Christ
2236 NW 14 Street, Miami, FL

There will also be an English mass on Saturday, September 1 at 4:30 pm.in New Brunswick, NJ at the St. Stephen’s R.C. Magyar Church:
www.ststephenspassaic.org
223 Third Street
Passaic, NJ 07055

Ohio

On Saturday June 16, 2007 a statue commemorating the Freedom Fighter of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution was decicated at Cardinal Mindszenty Plaza at 11th and Lakeside in Cleveland.

June 16, 2007

Cleveland Hungarians dedicated a statue commemorating the Freedom Fighter of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution at Cardinal Mindszenty Plaza (11th and Lakeside).

Cardinal Mindszenty Plaza

The bronze statue was commissioned by the 50th Anniversary Committee of the Hungarian Revolution. The young freedom fighter in the statue is holding a Hungarian Flag with the symbol of the Soviet Union cut out – symbolizing the anti-Communist revolution. Its sister statue was unveiled in Collier Country, Florida, at “Freedom Memorial Park” on December 3, 2006.

Washington, DC

The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America (HRFA) hosted a performance of the Üsztürü Folk Ensemble from Marosvásárhely, Transylvania, at the Anderson House in the most elegant surroundings in Washington DC. A Táncház followed at the HRFA Kossuth House. Funding was provided by AHF Co-President (and HRFA President) Gyula Balogh, AHF Controller (and HRFA Treasurer), Les Megyeri and other HRFA members.

The Üsztürü Ensemble was founded by young Hungarian musicians in 1992. They were born in Transylvania and had close connections to the communities where
Hungarian folk music was still a living tradition.

The members of the Üsztürü were fortunate to learn and play with the greatest masters of Transylvanian music
which makes the members of the Üsztürü special bearers of the musical heritage of this region. The members of the Üsztürü are dedicated to assuring the continued survival of a folk art form, which can
rarely be found even in its indigenous surroundings. The Ensemble is also at home in performing all Hungarian folk musical dialects from the Austrian
border to the Eastern slopes of the Carpathian Mountains.

Az ÜSZTÜRÜ zenekar 1992 májusában alakult Kolozsváron. Alapitói a kolozsvári Major Levente prímás (1973) és Könczei
Csongor brácsás (1974), valamint a korondi Szász József brácsás (1970) és Szász Lorinc bogos (1968) testvérek.

Késobb csatlakozott hozzájuk a marosvásárhelyi Moldován Horváth István prímás (1962) valamint a székelykeresztúri Demeter Erika énekes-táncos (1971). Az ÜSZTÜRÜ rendszeresen muzsikál táncházakban, néptánctáborokban és különbözo rendezvényeken. Felléptek és fellépnek Európa számos országában. A zenekar kiemelten foglalkozik Erdély és elsosorban Közép-Erdély vonós hangszeres zenéjével: Szék, Kalotaszeg, Mezoség, Küküllömente és Székelyföld.
Az ÜSZTÜRÜ ars poeticáját saját maguk fogalmazták meg leghívebben: Pályafutásunk során gyakran találkoztunk olyan erdélyi adatközlokkel, akiknek köszönhetoen egyre jobban elmélyült bennünk a népi kúltúra iránti tisztelet, szeretet, melynek következtében egyre nagyobb késztetést éreztünk arra, hogy lakhelyükön, eredeti környezetben is találkozzunk ezekkel az emberekkel, gazdagodjunk életszemléletükkel is. Megszerzett élményeink olyan gondolatokat, érzelmeket, hangulatokat
ébresztettek bennünk, amelyeket hangszereinkkel szeretnénk kifejezésre juttatni.

The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America is a Non-profit Fraternal Society
Chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1907
2001 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, D.C. 20036-1011
E-mail: hrfa@hrfa.org

Pennsylvania

HRFA / Bethlen Home Golf Tournament On Saturday, July 28, 2007, Champions Lake, Ligonier, PA.

The deadline to sign up is July 12. The Golf Tournament is July 28. Picnic is July 29.

* Proceeds go to HRFA Student Aid Fund and the Bethlen Communities (50-50%). For more details, go to www.hrfa.org

On December 19, 1907 a gas and dust explosion killed 239 coal miners in the dark tunnels of the Darr Mine. The majority of the dead were Hungarian-American

The Darr Mine Disaster is known as one of the worst in US history.On December 19, 1907 a gas and dust explosion killed 239 coal miners in the dark tunnels of the Darr Mine. The majority of the dead were Hungarian-American. The American Hungarian Federation (then known as the Hungarian American Federation) placed the memorial seen here in 1909. An inquiry into the disaster afterwards concluded, as was usually the case in that period of Pennsylvania coal mining, that the Pittsburgh Coal Company was not at fault. But within six months the US Geological Survey created the Mine Accidents Division and on July 1, 1910 an Act of Congress established the US Bureau of Mines. AHF is still in planning stages. Please contact Rev. Imre Bertalan, Jr. of the Bethlen Home and get involved! [revimre@bethlen.com] or (724) 238-2235

For more about the disaster, see the US Mine Rescue Association and on Rootsweb with photos and some names of those who died.

Featured Link

The Hungary Page’s “Nobel Prize Winners and Famous Hungarians” at www.thehungarypage.com

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