Fraternity-Testvériség, 2002 (80. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2002-04-01 / 2. szám
Page 6 TESTVÉRISÉG Hungarian Flag Raising Ceremony in New Jersey With the Honorable James E. McGreevey, Governor A special event took place on the eve of the 150th Anniversary of the visit of the great Hungarian Patriot, the Honorable Governor of Hungary Lajos (Louis) Kossuth, who addressed the Legislators of the State of New Jersey on April 21, 1852, at the State Capitol in Trenton. The Honorable Governor of the State of New Jersey James E. McGreevey invited all Hungarians from far and near to the At the Governor’s Mansion, 1. to r.: Rev. Stefan M. Torok, President/ CEO; William B. Puskas, Jr., CFO; the Hon. James E. McGreevey, Governor of the State of New Jersey; and George Dózsa, Chairman. Governor’s Mansion for a special Hungarian Flag Raising Ceremony on Saturday, April 20, 2002, to commemorate this historic event. The Governor has been a great friend of Hungarians for many years before his election to this post, especially during his time as Mayor of the City of Woodbridge, New Jersey. Over the years, he personally attended the special Hungarian Independence Day - March 15th celebrations when the Hungarian community of Woodbridge and vicinity gathered at Town Hall to commemorate the 1848-49 Revolution for Independence. The morning’s festivities brought the members of the churches, societies and organizations together in Princeton at Drumthwacket (the Governor’s official residence). After touring parts of the Governor’s Mansion, the crowd, estimated to be about 5,000 people, was escorted into the beautiful grounds behind the mansion, where the celebration was held. The Hon. J. McGreevey greeted everyone personally. Once everyone gathered, it was uplifting to see so many people wearing traditional Hungarian dresses beautifully embroidered by hand. All those who attended were also impressed by the official uniforms of the Hungarian Scouts. Governor McGreevey opened the festivities with an address in which he demonstrated his knowledge of the history of the nation of Hungary. He made specific references not only to the great Patriot Lajos Kossuth’s visit to America, but also to his commitment toward the cause of Hungarian Independence. On behalf of the American-Hun- garian community in New Jersey, Prof. August J. Molnár, President of the American Hungarian Foundation in New Brunswick, New Jersey, responded to the Governor’s remarks. The audience was entertained by presentations of Hungarian Dances by the Csűrdöngölő Hungarian Folk Dance Ensemble accompanied by the music of Életfa Hungarian Folk Band. (As an aside, the Csürdöngölő Ensemble is celebrating its 5th and the Életfa Band, its 15th, anniversary this year.) Many hearts were won by the young dancers who are students at the Hungarian schools in the area. During the recitation of Petőfi’s famous poem “Nemzeti Dal,” it seemed that everyone was captivated by the rendition. Additionally, remarks and greetings were extended by the Deputy Consul of Hungary from New York City, Mr. Péter Sárközy, and the Ambassador of Hungary, the Hon. Géza Jeszenszky. Ambassador Jeszenszky mentioned, among other things, that the great dream of Kossuth is being realized today in Hungary. On behalf of the Republic of Hungary, the Ambassador presented the Governor, who The children’s performance. many times during his remarks mentioned his love of Hungarian food, with special wines from the Tokaj region. At the conclusion of the program, we were all invited to the raising of the Hungarian Flag. As the flag was raised by the Governor, we all joined together singing the National Anthems of our adopted country America and of Hungary. As the flag was slowly ascending, a few drops of rain were descending from above. All of us were reminded of the great song of the War of Independence in 1848-49. I imagine it was sung by many of the soldiers: “Esik eső karikába, Kossuth Lajos kalapjára. Valahány csepp esik rája, annyi áldás szálljon rája. Éljen a Magyar szabadság,
