Fraternity-Testvériség, 1956 (34. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1956-10-01 / 10. szám
FRATERNITY 13 engaged the renowned sculptor, Gyula Bezerédy, who was invited to visit the United States for research and consultation. His imposing work was cast in bronze in due course, but could not be unveiled before September 16, 1906, on account of a political controversy raging between Hungary and Austria at the time. The new cabinet, however, national in character, participated to the fullest extent at the unveiling ceremonies, led by Ferenc Kossuth and Albert Apponyi, with representatives of all walks of life in attendance. Sepember 16, 1906, was a great day for the 300-odd American and Canadian Hungarians who arrived from abroad for the festive occasion. It was Sunday, rather cloudy, but everyone went to his respective church early — the Protestants to the Calvin Square one, where Alexis Csutoros offered the introductory prayer, Aladár Szabó preached the Gospel and the writer concluded the service. From church all had to make haste to be on hand in time at the City Park. There, near the Millenial Monument, erected for Hungary’s 1000th year of existence as a nation, stood George Washington’s statue. It was as yet covered with the Stars and Stripes. Our hearts beat fast upon our wondering whether this work of art, the result of so much of our labors of love, will be up to expectation — whether it will properly express the sentiments of so many of our kin, who in the United States pooled their contributions in order that this bronze edifice may represent them in the heart of the Old Sod . . . We have wondered whether the statue will prove to be worthy of the great statesman? We have wished to show him as the squire of Mount Vernon rather than the revolutionary commander, for we admired him most as a man of peace who led his people so successfully on the road to greatness and success. Notables and celebrities of Hungary’s public life soon arrived, too. And promptly the famed Male Chorus of Buda rendered the Hungarian Hymn. Editor Eugene Rákosi delivered the principal address. In a well rounded speech he emphasized those virtues of the Father of the United States which should exert lasting influence on Hungary’s public life. His assertions were enthusiastically received, especially by the American Hungarian visitors. It was during this address that the statue was unveiled and its artistic beauty immediately became evident. Poet Árpád Zempléni gave a dramatic rendering of his ode written for the occasion. His thoughts made a lasting impression on all present. The president of the Monument Association, Tihamér Kohányi, was the next speaker. He really surpassed himself. This man, so often hurt and misunderstood, appeared among the greatest of the great. Even his enemies admitted that he presented ideals of lasting value. Many of his statements later became bywords in Hungary. Lord Mayor Stephen Bárczy of Metropolitan Budapest accepted Beze- rédy’s masterpiece, following which the choir sang “America” and delegation after delegation placed wreaths on the pedestal. Thus did the dream of Joseph Zseny, conceived at the unveiling of Louis Kossuth’s statue in Cleveland, become a reality. B. P. B.
