Calvin Synod Herald, 1994 (94. évfolyam, 2-6. szám)
1994-05-01 / 3. szám
CALVIN SYNOD HERALD-8 -REFOMflTÜSOK LAPJA — Lajos Kossuth, former Regent of Hungary, died in exile 100 years ago in Turin, Italy, on March 20, 1894. We asked all our Churches and Ministers throughoutthe Synod to remember him at our March 20th Worship Services, and/or at our March 15th Hungarian Independence Day celebrations. It was done all over the U.S.A. Wherever our Churches are located. Village of Kossuth, PA. Named for Patriot KOSSUTH - The village of Kossuth is named for Lajos (Louis) Kossuth, a Hungarian patriot who lived from 1802-1894. Emil Lengyel, in his book 100 Years of Hungary: A Short History, described Kossuth as a symbol of revolutionary idea, an eloquent spokesman of his nation, an inspired war leader and Hungary's conscience for generations. Kossuth gained his fame initially when, while serving as an aide in the Hungarian legislature, he was arrested for treason for reporting the proceedings of the legislature to the people. While in prison, Kossuth's writings inspired the Hungarians and fueled the fires of nationalism, so much so that a revolution occurred in 1847. Austrian reactionaries, however, took over and dispatched an army to undo the work of the revolutionary reformers. The Hungarians refused to bow to their Austrian suppressors and formed a Committee of Home Defense. Its chairman was Kossuth, and he became a national hero to millions of Hungarians. Lengyel said, "Countless sagas and folk songs were in circulation about the man whom the common people called Kossuth Apánk - Our Father Kossuth - and he was only 46. The songs were primitive, poor poetry but wonderful human sentiment. 'The rain falling on Kossuth's hat,' said one of the songs, 'and there should be as many blessings on him as there are raindrops on his hat.'" Kossuth criss-crossed the country recruiting troops needed to fight against the Austrian army. The cadres were quickly filled, inspired by their leader. Young Hungarians then memorized one of his speeches in much the same manner as the Americans today memorize the Gettysburg Address. He said, "I bow to the greatness of the nation, and declare that if we can display as much energy in the implementation as we have shown in our offering, Hungary will not be shaken from the furies of helping itself.” The Hungarian revolutionaries succeeded in defeating the Austrians, but the Vienna court asked for foreign aid. They succeeded in convincing the Russian Czar, Nicholas I, to enter the conflict, and with their help, the Hungarians were defeated. Kossuth, now a known worldwide as a hero and patriot, escaped to the United States from Turkey. During this period (1851-55), Kossuth toured the U.S. and was on one of these tours that he passed by the village of Ashland Township that now bears his name. Kossuth Resident David Hirsch and the citizens of the village were so impressed with the Hungarian patriot, that they decided to name their post office (subsequently their town) after him. Sir Richard Cobden, English statesman and economist, said of Kossuth, "Not only is he the first orator of the age, but combines the rare attributes of a first-rate administrator, his moral qualities and unswerving courage." Kossuth Memorial Year March 20, 1994-March 20, 1995 On the 20th of March, five days after Idus of March, Hungarians all around the globe commemorated the 100th anniversary of the death of the "Hungarian Apostle of Democracy", the "Father of Magyars" - Lajos Kossuth. Louis Kossuth was the only Hungarian in history invited and received as an honored guest of the United States of America. We, American Hungarians, forever revere the glorious memories of his never to be forgotten visit in the "land of the free", touchingalmostall locations where magyars lived and still live. We are also grateful to the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America for its excellent leadership of cultivating the Kossuth tradition on this side of the ocean and for declaring a whole year for the Kossuth Centennial Anniversary. The Calvin Synod Herald takes pride in quoting the words of the Federation's president, George Dózsa: "The Kossuth Memorial Yearwillserve as an inspiration not only to those living in Hungary, but also to us in America. To show our commitment to the ideals of Kossuth, a resolution was passed by the 1992 Convention of our organization that the 100th Anniversary Year of the death of Kossuth in 1994 be declared a Kossuth Commemorative Year. Therefore, in my capacity as President of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America, I declare that this year be a Kossuth Anniversary Year, and I call upon our churches and societies to constitute together a large Kossuth Centennial Committee, which would involve the commemorative events in all parts of the country. We, American Hungarians, share with our brothers and sisters in Hungary, the conviction that great opportunities lie ahead for our much-suffered nation, and that the key of democracy, so long yearned for, can be rediscovered in the teachings of Kossuth." □ □□
