Hungarian Heritage Review, 1985 (14. évfolyam, 12. szám)
1985-12-01 / 12. szám
DECEMBER 1985 HUNGARIAN HERITAGE REVIEW JRakoczt (Sfamtimttott m m A MESSAGE From The PRESIDENT Nicholas Korponay, President We Hungarians have never fully realized the importance of the public opinion of the foreign powers and its deciding role in influencing the fate of our nation. The lessons learned from the peace dictates in Trianon and Paris proved in vain. The warning was issued and the cry for help sounded half a century ago by the American delegation, in 1929, at the first Hungarian World Congress. They asked for literature in English; for a translation of the excellent handbook, “Magyar Tűkor,” because the average American does not know Hungary; the children and grandchildren do not read Hungarian any more, and they do not want to be called “hunkies” and “gypsies.” In the old “Vitám et sanguinem” — our life and blood — tradition, everything was agreed to, promises were made, resolutions adopted — but the much-needed book was never translated. This, of course, was a long time ago. In steadily increasing numbers, with sorrowful hearts, Hungarians tottered from the country, crossed the ocean and started a new life. With the homeland memory, they built churches, cultural centers, Hungarian Houses; established aid associations, benevolent insurance companies — from the Canadian bushland, through the American mines, down to the Argentine pampas. Decade after decade, without acknowledgement, assistance or help from the Hungarian governments. These early settlers and their offspring became THE FORGOTTEN GENERATIONS. To justify these harsh statements, I would like to mention just one fact, from among many: to assist in the preservation of the Hungarian heritage, maintain national identity and self-respect between the two world wars, the Hungarian governments at home maintained 3 Hungarian Science Centers, 3 Hungarian Research Institutes, 7 University Colleges, and 20 Hungarian Chairs at various universities. The neglected one-and-one-half-million Hungarians on the North American continent got one single lecturer at Columbia University, and that in 1939! According to the 1980 US Census, 1,773,000 American citizens declared themselves of Hungarian descent. Regrettably, from this impressive figure, only 200,000 read, write or speak Hungarian. The rest, especially the middle and younger generations have never been in Hungary and have disassociated themselves from the various political groups and their activities. Being strongly individualistic these recognize the contradictions between theory and practice, empty slogans and realistic possibilities. These many hundred thousands, with their immense natural endowments, form THE LOST GENERATION. The goal — to awaken some kind of Hungarian consciousness in the neglected and lost generation — is a frightening challenge. The approach to the problem needs more than dedicated courage. It requires understanding, cooperation, common action, support and sacrifice from all of us — while we are still able. Not to try to meet this challenge is more than cowardice or irresponsibility. It is a sin against the nation’s future and a betrayal of the SPIRITUAL HUNGARY, with its scattered 16 million people. After many years of dreaming, careful planning, innumerable articles, lectures, meetings and conferences; mobilizing the support of our internationally known giants — scientists and artists; introducing various awards and scholarships, publishing muchneeded books in English; assisting in the establishment of the Hungarian Research Center, affiliated with one of the great Universities — under the patronage of Zbigniew Brzezinski — calling an international essay competition on Rakocsi’s moral legacy, hoping that the conference will restore common sense, peace and respect of basic human rights among nations and nationalities in East Central Europe — all this accompanied by malicious opposition, accusation and slander — the Rákóczi Foundation has finally done it: at long last — thanks to the Chomos Family — we have our own publication, one of the most important tools in the achievement of our historic responsibilities. May we now humbly present the HUNGARIAN HERITAGE REVIEW. This publication does not intend to be a political organ and will not get involved in insignificant blusters, for the simple reason that political infallibility does not apply to our political experts. No one person has the right to speak for Hungary or Hungarians. But everyone has the right to form his or her own opinion, express it without fear, and act according to his or her own conscience. We will not condemn the fanatics who do not drink Szekszárdi wine because it is red and comes from a communist country; we will not pillory the frequent visitors to Hungary, the country with the eternal roots of the Hungarian heritage. Our historical and cultural heritage is so splendid that it does not need exaggeration. Its factual presentation in the HUNGARIAN HERITAGE REVIEW will accomplish the hoped for effect — to arouse the slumbering feelings in Hungarian hearts and blood. Ours is a voluntary mission which we cannot carry out alone. The Advisory Council represents every segment of the Hungarian spectrum. Still we need help, much help, to make of this endeavor a successful crusade. The Pope is an ardent Pole: President Reagan visits the graves of his Irish ancestors; the Canadian Minister of Multi-Culturism is a proud Czech. A Slovak industrialist donated six-million dollars for a Slovak Church and Youth Center, and a Rumanian banker in London sponsored the Daco-Roman World Congress. Why are we hiding our Hungarian identity? Are we ashamed of our heritage? Our idol, Francis Rákóczi II set an everlasting example with his self-sacrifice. He believed in the inspiration of PRO PATRIA ET LIBERTATE — for homeland and freedom! With God's help we would like to be — and can be — his disciples!
