Bethlen Almanac 1997 (Ligonier)
The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America
Tribute to Two Outstanding Young Men Tamás Madarasi and Congressman Abraham Lincoln Brick In conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America and the Illinois-Indiana District Meeting, the National Officers organized a wreath laying ceremony at the grave sites of Congressman Abraham Lincoln Brick and Mr. Tamás Madarasi on May 3, 1997 to pay tribute to these remarkable young men who were instrumental in influencing Congress to vote for the charter to be given to the Federation. The Federation was founded in 1896 in Trenton, New Jersey, and operated until 1906 under a state license issued by state of Ohio. Thanks to Mr. Madarasi and Congressman Brick, the Federation received its charter on December 1906, allowing it to operate nationwide. Both young men knew each other well; both were from South Bend, Indiana, and while many differences existed between them (one was a lawyer, the other a simple Hungarian immigrant), they also had many similarities: both were children of parents born to simple stock, both were enthusiastic by nature, both shared their love for Hungarians, and, unfortunately, both died too soon and unexpectedly: Mr. Madarasi (1878-1907), Congressman Brick (1860-1908). Below is Congressman Brick’s speech delivered to Congress in 1907, which speech, from a Hungarian point of view, is unique in the history of the US Congress: “Referring to the racial character of this organization alluded to by the gentleman from Iowa, I want to say the following: They have come to us to better their conditions, and I want to make them feel at home. They are here to swell the stream of our best citizenship, numbering now over a quarter of a million souls. They have come to make this country their permanent dwelling place, to live and abide with us in the truest and most loyal of American sentiment and patriotism. They inhabit every state and territory of the United States, and everywhere have they entered into the very essence of our national spirit, hope and enterprise; and among other things, this organization is founded upon the lively behest of that desire. Why, Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the members of the House: Have you read and pondered over the thrilling story of Hungary’s 11
