10/18/2016 – AHF co-sponsored a temporary “Exhibition at the United States Congress Commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight.” Other sponsors included the Hungarian Embassy as part of its 1956-2016 series of events and other Hungarian-American Organizations. Hungarian Ambassador Dr. Réka Szemerkényi opened the exhibit and AHF Chairman of the Board, Frank Koszorus, welcomed the gathering.
The exhibition, held in the House Rayburn Office Building, features photographs and informational displays on the historic revolution that gave us the first tear in the Iron Curtain.
Other dignitaries who spoke included: The Honorable Miklós Seszták, Minister of National Development of Hungary; The Honorable Dr. János Horváth, Doyen of the Hungarian Parliament and the founder of the Hungarian Revolutionary Council, New York in 1957; Dr. Jenő Megyesy, Chief Advisor to the Prime Minister of Hungary; John O’Sullivan, President of the Danube Institute; and Marion Smith, Executive Director of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation.
AHF Chairman Frank Koszorus welcomed guests with the following statement:
“Our more than one hundred year old organization, the American Hungarian Federation, is honored and proud to be a co-sponsor of this fitting commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution when Hungarians from all walks of life rose up against insurmountable odds to fight for freedom, multi-party democracy and independence.
Our Federation honors the heroes of 1956 today as we did during those fateful days when AHF activated its Hungarian Relief Program, raised over $525,000 — $4.5 million in today’s dollars – and worked closely with the International Rescue Committee and others, to aid in the refugee resettlement effort.
Since then, the Federation has been committed to keep the memory of 1956 alive. One just needs to view our website for an extensive collection of material concerning that historical event.
This wonderful exhibit today is a graphic testament to the Hungarian nation’s unquestionable commitment to democracy, freedom and liberty. The photographs reflect determination:
They reflect sacrifice
They reflect courage and bravery
They reflect yearning
They reflect hope
They reflect pain
They reflect joy
They reflect despair
But most of all they reflect the triumph of the human spirit and the Hungarian character, a character that is as strong today as it was 60 years ago.
Regrettably, some would deny this character of the Hungarian people, ignoring that Hungary has regained its freedom from Soviet domination a mere twenty-six years ago, yet is a committed NATO and strong U.S. ally and a multi-party democracy, albeit an imperfect and evolving one. as even mature democracies continue to evolve. 1956 starkly refutes this misleading and skewed picture of Hungarians peddled by critics. 1956 burnishes the true nature of a brave and freedom loving nation.
Let me close with a passage from Albert Camus’ stirring Letter to the World written in 1957:
“The Blood of the Hungarians”
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.
Your presence here today inspires hope that we will never allow the memory of Hungary 1956 fade. Thank you for joining us to honor the heroes of the Hungarian Revolution and War of Independence of 1956.”
Related
[Click to view] the 1956-2013 video
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10/24/2013 – AHF Executive Chairman delivers multimedia presentation entitled “Reflections on the 1956 Hungarian Revolution” for the Shepherd Center World Affairs Series coordinated by A. Ross Johnson, Wilson Center Senior Scholar, Hoover Institution Research Fellow, and former Director of Radio Free Europe. Bryan Dawson, whose mother was wounded in the Freedom Fight, discussed the roots of the conflict and Polish-Hungarian sympathies, Hungary’s history and national character that contributed to the uprising, and the Revolution’s impacts internationally. [read more]
10/22/2015 – AHF organizes Congressional Reception with the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation commemorating the 59th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956 and Honoring Members of Congress. [read more]
12/3/2015 – American Hungarian Federation has follow-up meeting with Ambassador Colleen Bell… During his stay in Budapest, Mr. Koszorus also met with United States Ambassador Colleen Bell. The purpose of the meeting wasto follow up on AHF’s November 4, 2015 letter to Ambassador Bell in which AHF suggested that U.S. interests – promotion of democracy and human rights, strategic and economic — may not always be served by public criticisms which are perceived by the man-on-the-street in Hungary, whether a supporter of the government or not, to be demeaning and humiliating. [read more]
11/1/2007 – Congressional Reception for AHF Centennial… AHF celebrated it’s 100th Anniversary, honored the heroes of 1956 on the 51st anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution, and unveiled its plans for a 1956 National Memorial in the Nation’s Capital. AHF recognized Congressmen Dan Lipinski (D – IL), ThaddeusMcCotter (R- MI) and Dr. Lee Edwards (Chair of the Victims of Communism Memorial Foundation) for their support of AHF initiatives, human rights and democratic development in Central Europe. Each received a plaque and a copy of the book, “Daughter of the Revolution” by renowned poet and author, Prof. Peter Hargitai. The October 25 commemoration started with wreath laying at the Victims of Communism Memorial near the US Capitol. [read more].