Magyar News, 1996. szeptember-1997. augusztus (7. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1996-11-01 / 3. szám
By His Excellency JOHN G. ROWLAND, Governor: a PROCLAMATION On October 23, 1956, a national uprising broke out in Hungary. Directed by students, workers, soldiers and intellectuals, the uprising was provoked by mass economic and political dissatisfaction and anger at the country's subordination to the Soviet Union. With this nationwide movement, Hungary became Europe’s only country to stand up to Soviet power under its lawful govenment and prime minister. The strength and will of the Hungarian people made the 1956 Revolution their greatest national act of the twentieth century. October 23, 1989 was chosen as the day to proclaim the creation of the new Republic of Hungary. The aspirations of the Hungarian people in 1956 were realized when a communist Hungary was superceded by a free country with free citizens. This year, as Connecticut residents join in the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and the seventh anniversary of the establishment of the Republic of Hungary, it is an appropriate that we reflect on the quality and character of those Hungarians who settled in Connecticut and celebrate their contributions, which advanced the progress and prosperity of our State and nation. We are fortunate to include many Hungarian immigrants and persons of Hungarian descent among Connecticut’s early settlers and present populace. They have fostered the cultural, economic, spiritual, educational and social life of towns and cities throughout Connecticut. Therefore, in recognition of Hungarian-American friendship and the many ways in which Hungarian- Americans have shaped our national character and way of life and, in accordance with the Statutes of the State of Connecticut, 1 am proud to proclaim October 23, 1996 as HUNGARIAN-AMERICAN DAY 1 urge that special attention be given in schools to the important contributions made by citizens of Hungarian descent to the development of our nation. Given under my hand and seal of the State at the Capitol, in Hartford, this first day of July, 0, one thousand nine hundred and ninety-six and of the independence of the United States the w Wk, two hundred nineteenth. THE WHITE HOUSE On behalf of the American people, I am delighted to extend my warmest congratulations to the Hungarian people and to the Hungarian American community on the celebration of Hungary’s 1100th anniversary as a nation. The settlement of the Hungarian people in the Carpathian basin has placed them in the heart of Europe. Perhaps at no time since St. Stephen founded the Hungarian state have Hungary’s prospects looked so promising. Hungary, as a nation committed to democracy and at peace with itself and its neighbors, enjoys the respect and support of the family of nations; Hungary's citizens have shown great fortitude in bearing the hardships inherent in economic restructuring. Today, Hungary is making an important contribution to regional and Western security by offering its Taszár military base near Kaposvár to U.S. and other international peacekeeping forces in Bosnia. This cooperation will further solidify the cordial and strategic partnership developing between our two countries and the Western community of nations. This year also marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of organized Hungarian American communities in the United States, centered around churches, fraternal organizations, and neighborhoods. For 100 years, the Hungarian communities, on the local and national levels, through skill, determination and hard work, have made notable contributions to America’s preeminence in science, business, industry, and the arts. As you honor the land of your ancestors during this anniversary, and as you pay homage to the founders of the Hungarian American community here, I am confident you will continue to show energy, dedication, and enthusiasm for the building of your neighborhoods and our nation. I offer the best wishes and continued support of all Americans as you celebrate these anniversaries. BILL CLINTON Page 3
