The Eighth Tribe, 1976 (3. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1976-10-01 / 10. szám
October, 1976 THE EIGHTH TRIBE Page 5 — HUNGARIAN FESTIVAL — September 11, 1976 Garden State Arts Center, Holmdel, New Jersey The third annual Hungarian Festival was held in commemoration of a triple event to the anniversaries of: the birth in 1676 of Ferenc Rákóczi, the birth in 1776 of America as a nation, and the Hungarian fight for freedom in 1956. The entire day was devoted toward acknowledgment of Hungarian heritage for ethnic cultural and historical tribute at this particularly beautiful environmental setting with fine amphitheatre. Numerous people attended (estimated somewhat to be about 6000), including many out-of-town visitors from Connecticut, New York, etc., and from varying distances within New Jersey. A great deal of enjoyment and interest were apparent in reviewing the different exhibits, displays, grounds activities, plaza contests, food specialties, stage entertainment, as well as renewal of acquaintances with friends and relationships. Replicas of the Székely gate (such as in Transylvania) and of a smaller Transdanubian bell stand (such as one version near Cardinal Mindszenty’s place of birth) were respectively noted by the strolling visitors. It was an auspicious occasion, too, for some reminders about Hungary’s martyrs, particularly the lately deceased (1975) Cardinal József Mindszenty. Highlights of the tent exhibits were mementoes of historical and informative nature in regard to Hungarians here and abroad. Early Hungarians in the United States, from around the late 18th century through the mid-20th century, were depicted together with their noteworthy activities, some having personally given their services, and energies, (not at little cost), even the ultimate: their lives toward American causes—from the time of the War for Independence through the Civil War, on upward to the immigrants’ arrivals of the first and later phases (i.e., pre-World War I and post-World War II). Notably among the memorabilia, there was a copy of a 1777 letter to Benjamin Franklin by Michael Kováts; the latter afterwards journeyed from Hungary to fight as Colonel Commandant in George Washington’s army but unfortunately was killed while battling the British at Charleston. As a result, the Military College of South Carolina memoralized his distinguished service by naming a drill field in his honor. A fascinating display included some highlyprized, rare artifacts, such as Hungarian swords, fragile flags, old banners, etc., which were quite evidently valued specimens of magnificent craftsmanship—but of profound symbolism as well. The continuing pictorial panorama graphically recounted a wide variety of contributions by which Hungarians have aided advancement in North America plus other regions throughout the world. For instance, multitalented and skilled individuals of Hungarian background have benefited in myriad ways the diverse fields of science, technology, religion, education, industry, communication, government, and untold others, by way of unique endeavors of creativity, knowledge, innovativeness, literature, poetry, music, fine arts, constructive arts, sports, and so on in unending range. One certainly can be impressed with the extensive qualities and breadths of interests among these men and women in many walks of life, with resultant positive gains derived by individuals, groups, associations, societies as well as the broader international scope.
