The Eighth Tribe, 1978 (5. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1978-10-01 / 10. szám
Page 4 THE EIGHTH TRIBE October, 1978 General Assembly State of New Jersey ASSEMBLY RESOLUTION by Assemblymen Olszowy, Bate and Visotcky To the Memory of Colonel-Commandant Michael de Kováts in the American-Hungarian Bicentennial Year 1978-79 WHEREAS, The fight for the independence of our nation was aided and formed hy the greatness of Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats de Fabriczi; and, WHEREAS, Colonel Commandant Kovats, a most decorated officer from the European Seven Year Wars, was a noble volunteer in America’s fight for freedom; and, WHEREAS, Colonel Commandant Kovats arrived in New Jersey in the year of 1777 offered his sword for liberty and independence of the Colonies to General George Washington HQ. in Morristown; and, WHEREAS, As drillmaster of the cavalry created, clothed, fully equipped, trained,—the “best cavalry the rebels ever had”; and, WHEREAS, Colonel Commandant Kovats personally led this cavalry against the British in Egg Harbor, Brandywine, Trenton and Princeton, all in the territory of the present State of New Jersey; and, WHEREAS, Colonel Commandant Kovats sacrificing his own life for the Liberty and freedom we all today enjoy and cherish, was a relentless fighter for the Ideals of freedom and human dignity; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey: That this House, in recognition of the fact that the foundation of the United States of America depended upon the dedicated efforts of thousands of men and women from many lands to whom liberty and freedom were worth the ultimate sacrifice of their own lives, hereby takes note of the outstanding accomplishments of Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats de Fabriczi, a hero in the grand tradition, who gave his own life that this nation might survive; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a duly authenticated copy of this resolution, signed by the Speaker and attested by the Clerk, be transmitted to the Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats de Fabriczi Historical Society. Kováts Bicentennial Celebration in Trenton, New Jersey Mayor Arthur C. Holland of Trenton, N.J., has officially declared the week of September 25th thru 30th Colonel Michael Kováts Week. Colonel Kováts, the Hungarian Hussar who founded the United States Cavalry, died in the cause of American Independence defending Charleston, South Carolina in 1779. Michael Kováts came to this country in 1776 as a soldier, “a free man and a Hungarian” to offer his services to the Colonies in their cause of freedom. He was appointed “Master of Exercise” to the cavalry unit Camisir Pulaski was attempting to organize. George Washington recommended the appointment of Kováts as the Colonel Commandant of the new unit. In September of 1778, the Legion was ordered by Washington to Princeton, N.J., The Corp fought several engagements in New Jersey, among them Egg Habor and Osborne Island. The week-long celebration was highlighted by a special exhibit on the life of Colonel Kováts at the Trenton Free Library, New Wing, on Academy St. The exhibit officially opened on Monday morning, September 25th at 10 a.m. Trenton's tribute to Michael Kovats closed on Saturday, Sept. 30 with ceremonies held on the lawn of the Old Barracks in downtown Trenton. Colonel Kováts had stayed at the Barracks in September of 1778. A prayer ceremony was held at 9 a.m. by Dr. Zoltán Béky, Bishop emeritus of the Hungarian Reformed Church in America and past President of the American Hungarian Federation. At 12 noon, a program of Hungarian music and dance was performed by the Hungarian Dance Ensemble and the New Jersey National Guard Colonial Color Guard was present. Rt. Rev. Tibor Dömötör, Deputy Bishop of the Hungarian Church in America and Dr. András Pogány of Seton Hall University were among the distinguished speakers at noon and many of the area churches were represented. Dr. Andrew Udvardy, President of the Military Order of Colonel Kováts, was the moderator of the program. The Trenton celebration marks the beginning of national activities by Hungarian organizations and the officials of many cities and states honoring Michael Kováts. The culmination of these activities will take place in Charleston, South Carolina during the week of September 6-12, 1979. Joseph B. Riley, Jr., Mayor of Charleston, has proclaimed the week in honor of Colonel Kovats and the reenactment of the Battle of Charleston will be among the city’s activities.
