Magyar News, 2003. szeptember-2004. augusztus (14. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-03-01 / 7. szám
A LETTER TO ALL HUNGARIANS THE MAGYAR STUDIES OF AMERICA CALLS ON YOU This 19 feet tall “1956 Hungarian Memorial’’ created by Hungarian sculptor Gyuri Hollóssy stands in Liberty Square Park in Boston, Massachusetts. It shows the freedom fighter with the flag that had the communist symbol torn out, and on the top a woman holding the future, a child. ^ For the fiftieth ^ anniversary of the 1956 Uprising in Hungary the Magyar Studies of America opened a global movement V _______J Dear Friends -A scant two months ago, our organization, Magyar Studies of America, with contributions of Hungarians in the greater Bridgeport area, dedicated a granite and bronze monument in Fairfield, commemorating the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. For us, this humble memorial signified a tiny payment of a 47-year old debt. Mr. Péter Sárközy, the Hungarian Vice Consul of New York, made the celebration more festive by giving the main speech that day. Since then, we are happy to have come into closer contact with the Consul, Dr. Gábor Horváth as well. October 23rd, 2006 will mark the 50th anniversary of a popular movement that began in Budapest, one that would affect world history: a self-sacrificing battle for freedom and independence from foreign domination. Though it brought further decades of agony under foreign rule, it nevertheless led at long last to independence. Every October 23rd is a reminder of the martyrdom of thousands upon thousands, and October 23rd, 2006 will be even more so. Several monuments recalling 1956 are found throughout Hungary, and there is even one in Budapest. There, it is a symbolic memorial. For many, and especially for foreigners regarding it from a distance, it is not very meaningful, and is even unintelligible. The Hungarian people and the martyrs deserve better. In Boston, Massachusetts, a wonderful 15-foot monument reminds every passerby of the Hungarian heroes of 1956. It is inconceivable that a worthy monument can not be erected for the 50th anniversary in the capital of Hungary, the very place where the Freedom Fight began! Therefore, in accordance with the decision of our organization's leadership, as well as the agreement of the Hungarians in the area, Magyar Studies of America is launching a worldwide fund-raising campaign, for the purpose of erecting a monument in a central location in Budapest, one that would significantly surpass the gorgeous monument set up outside of Hungary, in Boston, and to unveil it for the 50th anniversary in honor of the heroes of 1956. We are cognizant of the magnitude of our plan, of the responsibility and the work involved. All that notwithstanding, Magyar Studies of America assumes the task of coordinating the effort, and will open its financial operations to public scrutiny at every stage. We are convinced that we are serving a sacred cause; we are certain we can count on our people, even in our dispersion around the globe. On the 17th of last month, we wrote a letter to Dr. Ferenc Mádl, President of the Republic of Hungary, requesting his support of our plan. Meanwhile, we have also contacted several sculptors in Hungary. We have had discussions with responsible leaders of the Hungarian media and with other important Hungarians. So far, every response has been positive, thank God! Last October, we dedicated a monument in Fairfield, CT, created through voluntary contributions, to honor the heroes of 1956. There were no difficulties preceding the unveiling of that monument! In the spirit of cooperation that characterized 1956, we request your indispensable support to bring our plan to fruition. We will gladly respond to any questions you may have, and we will report periodically on the progress of this project. All contributions should be marked "1956 Memorial Fund" and mailed to: Magyar Studies of America, Inc. 242 King's Highway Cut-Off Fairfield, CT 06824-5394 Filled with the spirit of the 1848 and 1956, and the solemnity of this project, we wish you and all Hungarians a blessed New Year! Respectfully, Dr. Gyula Egervári Zsuzsa Lengyel Founder, President Former President Page 1
