The Eighth Tribe, 1976 (3. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1976-06-01 / 6. szám
Page 2 THE EIGHTH TRIBE June, 1976 WHAT IS THE EIGHTH TRIBE? The Hungarian Nation when entering the Carpathian Basin in the 9th century A.D. was composed of seven Magyar tribes of Scythian origin. Many hundreds years later some of the people left Hungary for a newly discovered land — and this segment became the Eighth Tribe. To those who were born in this land, speaking or not the Hungarian language, Reformed, Lutheran, Catholic or any other faith, even if only a trace of Hungarian origin in them, to these this Magazine is dedicated. The first issue of The Eighth Tribe was published April, 1974. ☆ ☆ A NEW WAY TO CELEBRATE . . . Our cover story depicts two important dates in our lives as Americans and Hungarian-Americans. We are celebrating the 200th birthday of our country, and at the same time, we, as Hungarian-Americans, are observing the 80th year of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America — an organization that has inscribed its name in the history of America. This year, both as head of the Bethlen Press and Editor of this magazine, I’ve had the opportunity to THE EIGHTH TRIBE Editor ........................................................... Sándor E. Chomos Contributing Editors: ........... Albert Wass, Joseph Széplaki Dr. and Mrs. István S. Tuba Published and printed monthly by the Bethlen Press, Inc. P. O. Box 637, Ligonier, Pa. 15656, U.S.A. Second Class Postage paid at Ligonier, Pa. 15658, U. S. A. Subscription: $8.00 yearly. learn many important facts about our ancestors who came to this country, and how they carved their way into our society and history. Some fought in our War for Independence, some the Civil War. Hungáriám were always willing to fight when someone’s freedom was in question. They were pioneers, forging their way across the prairie to a brighter future. We Hungarian-Americans don’t brag about our pioneer ancestors; we don’t bask in their achievements as some nationalities do. Like so many other Southern Europeans, our ancestors didn’t come on the Mayflower to found a nation for a noble cause. Our forefathers had a land they loved, but they were forced to leave it when domineering tyrants, disguised in many coats, deprived them of their precious freedom. America was their dream too, and they embraced its principles fully, offering it their courage, their knowledge, their heritage and their lives. Reading through the books published by the Bethlen Press this year, one can learn how these early Hungarian-Americans played an amazingly important role in making our nation what it is now. It is regrettable that my generation didn’t have the opportunity to learn the legends, the folklore and the history of ancient Hungary. Many of us came as youngsters in our teens — who were almost forced to forget all our old ways just to remember all the new ones we had to adapt to. Now with young children, grown sons and daughters and grandchildren, we find it difficult to explain why it is called the “Bethlen” Home, the “Kossuth” House, the “Szent István” Church, tóé “Lorrantfy” Care Center, the “Rackoczi” March. Why were these men and women so important that their names live on — that we continue to dedicate buildings to them? And that is the purpose of the Eighth Tribe. So the coming generations will know why their names are perpetuated. Why the heritage of Hungary is one to be proud of, not to scoff off when someone asks, “How’d you ever get a name like that?” Be proud of what Hungary was and the vibrant nation it still is. Even Communist rule could not dampen the spirit of Magyars, as it leads the communist block nations in the freedom it is allowed. Above all, learn. Be proud for a reason, as we’ve a right to be in this 200th anniversary of our nation’s birth. The Eighth Tribe is your tool to use. It can be a rusty hoe left out in the rain to rust, or it can be clean and shiny, with rich soil clinging to the blade. Let yourself dig into the richness of Hungary, and the Eighth Tribe will be there to help you.
