Magyar News, 2004. szeptember-2005. augusztus (15. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2004-12-01 / 4. szám
The celebrating group gathered in Fairfield at the 1956 plaque Rev. Dr. Alexander Havadtöy guest speaker 1956 always in our hearts Every year in our area Hungarians get together to remember the great historical event of October 23, 1956. This is the second year that the celebration took place at the newly erected plaque at the Fairfield Townhall. Reverend Béla Póznán, from the Calvin United Church of Christ opened the program with a lengthy prayer that was just suitable for the event. First Selectman Flatto welcomed the people, offering further support to the Hungarian cause. Following Gábor Dömötör spoke and recited a poem by András Wass. The refrain underlining each verse was the water flows, but the stone stays. Then Rev. Dr. Alexander Havadtöy, the main speaker of the event, outlined the American Hungarians action of the time. He also showed the international politics that undermined the victorious uprising. These were his words: “We have all come together on this lovely Saturday afternoon to commemorate together the 1956 Hungarian revolution in the light of the Word of God. It is right and proper that we do this as Americans and Hungarians for the 1956 Revolution in Hungary was a joint American and Hungarian undertaking. Before this historic event that shook the world would fade from the memory of the nations, it is important to recall those circumstances which brought it about, during the Summer of 1956 there was plenty of anxiety in our hearts. Parishioners and friends who visited Hungary brought the exciting news about a breakdown of the Communist order. Criticism of the regime became open and loud. People began to dare to criticize the Communist party and government officials. The ex-prime minister became the center of derision. Most people felt that he was disgraced by the Kremlin and therefore was thrown open to the anger of the people. These events disturbed us deeply here in America for we knew that in a dictatorship the revolutionary ferment is brewing not when the screws are tightened but when they are eased up a bit. On the other hand we saw no signs that Moscow would be willing to let the satellite countries go free. In September of 1956 at the Ligonier Conference of the Hungarian-American Reformed Clergy the representatives of the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe appeared to talk about their activities. They gave a glowing report about their effectiveness and great impact of their broadcasting. They reported that among all the countries behind the Iron Curtain, Hungary was the most receptive to their presentations. While we cautioned them about their enthusiasm, they would not want to hear of our warnings, and stated very clearly that their efforts to impress the Hungarian population would continue. They were supported and encouraged by their masters in the State Department where the policy of the then Secretary of State, John Foster Dulles, about "rolling back the Iron Curtain" was still dominant. This encounter with the official American press filled us with deep concern, knowing that the policy of "rolling back the Iron Curtain" was not supported neither by the military forces, nor by the political realities. President Eisenhower was engaged in electioneering to secure for himself another presidential term in November. His slogan was: "Peace and Prosperity." He wanted to assure the public that during his reign there would be no more military adventurism like the war in Korea. The general public was tired of wars, and merely wanted to amass wealth and security after the lean years of depression and war. The status quo of dividing Europe between the winners of the Second World War, the division of Germany and the pacification of Central Europe were quite acceptable to the general public. Yes there were fears about the dictatorship and the constructed trials of innocent people and bishops and cardinals, but there was no desire whatsoever to take up arms or to engage in any form of diplomatic or military effort to free the oppressed other half of Europe. What we dreaded, became a reality on the night of October 23. The people, young and old, rich and poor, well educat-Page 1 T
