Magyar News, 2003. szeptember-2004. augusztus (14. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2004-05-01 / 9. szám

soul of those who were the makers of freedom, democracy, Independence, and in 1990. The great achievements of 1848, 1956, 1990, and today in 2004 with no difference, or separation tie together with our European values and our place with that continent. The spirit of 1848couldn’t be silenced, it lives on, dictatorships weren’t able to stop it, change or take it away from the Hungarian people.

The youth of March put into words all the demands for basic civil, democratic human and freedom rights, according to the progressive spirit o the time. Lajos Kossuth and his government recognized the rebirth of the nation, the establishment of the civil society, building a constitution government, securing the rights of minorities. Also having self governing for villages and counties a reality, making clear the necessity and reliance on each other of Central-, and Eastern European Nations so their goal could be accomplished. Some later unfortunate turns in history showed us that politics contrary to this lead to be regretted.

There is one more very important message from the 1848 Revolution. We may not lose sight of our national union, establishing a national unity, so Hungary could represent and reach with full success its goals and interest in this world.

The determining springs, 1848 and 1990, have the same roots. In 1990 the preparation of the democratic election, separating from the Soviet Empire, gave us freedom and independence. The spring of 1999 lead us into the transatlantic alliance of NATO, and Hungary played a significant role stopping the tyranny of Milosevich, promoting the values of Europe in the Balkans.

This spring of 2004 brings us back to Europe and opens up great opportunities. On May 1st we are becoming part of the European Union fulfilling our goal of proper affiliation that was hindered by the great powers 156 years ago. It is not only the memory of 1848, but the times ahead of us, the upcoming generations, demands

Naturally everybody is hesitant from the unknown. But the recent past was new to us Hungarians, and one could see the results. Becoming member of the NATO, which was sponsored by the American- Hungarians helping the alliance of Hungary with the U.S.A., now being part the way the world goes. On this road with the European Union we could have our voice heard in renewing the European- American relation, preserving the values, and in forming the new directions.

We definitely serve the happiness and well being of future generations setting its foundation. The ides of March 1848, Lajos Kossuth, the Hungarian people and their leaders vision and struggle for the freedom - including the flourishing of Hungary - was the creation of a Europe built on volunteer collaboration of democratic, independent nations. We have arrived, Europe and we Hungarians.

The opening of the 21 st Century offers the most favorable conditions ever, therefore it is the responsibility of us all to carry through the spirit and goals of March 15, 1848 to bring happiness to our Hungarian nation.”

Ambassador Horvath in his speech showed his appreciation towards the local people who gathered for the celebration. He also praised the Hungarian organizations for their work. Singled out in connection with this event, talked about the Pannónia American Hungarian Club with Judith Balogh at the helm, that every year it brings together this celebration. He also called attention to the 1956 monument recently unveiled in Fairfield and organized by the Magyar Studies of America.

After the program people gathered at the Pearl of Budapest Restaurant. Zsuzsa Dömötör left was reciting a poem at the celebration. The two musicians, István Lakatos and László Forwald carried on during the dinner Right bottom: Ambassador Horváth having dinner with Dr. Balázs Somogyi and Dr. Gábor Dömötör.

that the merging with Europe should be a success of rebirth of the many springs of our nation..

This is the common goal of Hungary, the diaspora, the whole nation. This is in the interest of Hungarians living in the United States, because the result of being member of the European Union, bearing responsibility of a strong transatlantic connection promotes the American-European connection. As for us, more Europe means more America.

May I add a few thoughts to this spring about forming our future. Before and after 1990 we were working hard to have a free and modem Hungary. At this noble celebration, with my full conviction and expertise I would like to underline the join in the Union will not have lasting set backs. What ever may be felt as temporary hinderence are a minimum compared to the loss we would experience if we would stay out of uniting with Europe. Hungary will be a member of a community that is strong politically, and economically, and has better chance of having its interest enforced. She will be a participant shaping the European happenings and will not sit on the side-line observing.

Hungary’s acceleration in joining will profit 350 billion more by the end of 2006, then it had payed into the joint account. This is a sizable amount added to the development of our economic, community, and infrastructure. Also to upbringing the level of the countryside and the living standard what on our own would not be possible. The pensions and salaries reached a higher level in countries that became part of the Union. The agriculture and those making a living out of it have never received as much support as they will as members of the Union. Also the Hungarian citizens will finally enjoy an quality with the British, French, Italian, German, Swede and other European Union citizens. There will be no harm in keeping our language. As an example the native language in Ireland started blossoming after joining.

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