The Hungarian Student, 1957 (1. évfolyam, 2-8. szám)
1957 / 4. szám
8 The Hungarian Student Budapest Mayor Joseph Kovago Opens the Exhibit... U'-jn A he Universities have been the vehicles of liberty throughout the world. You gave a bloody demonstration of this truth, and we older associates bow before you, the Hungarians’ eternal pride. “You rose against the oppressors without weapons, armed only by the strength of your spirit against the power of two hundred million, because you could no longer endure the fate of slavery which had been forced upon you. Guard your bright spirit, since the largest part of the work is still ahead of you : you must rebuild from the ruins of your homeland a new, free country patterned on Western ideals. “Prepare yourselves well for this assignment. When you struggle with your drab, everyday problems of the classrooms or the problems of earning your living, be the same kind of heroes that you were against the tanks. Meanwhile, be good citizens of your new country, remaining at the same time good Hungarians. The two cannot oppose each other. “Now as I officially open the exhibition, I give you Miss Margaret Jane Green's one dollar bill. Today this is my greatest treasure. When I was speaking in a town about the horrible destruction going on in Budapest and the suffering that went with it, this American child gave me her savings of a dollar for the rebuilding of Budapest. Love prompted her action, and I am convinced that the love for our people in all hearts will eventually help us gain our freedom. I believe this little girl gave an example worthy of notice by the world’s many leaders and statesmen.” . . . From Karoly Nemeth s Opening Address “nr Aragic events made us leave our homeland. We freed ourselves of persecution and want, but with this our struggles did not end. We cannot bypass our responsibility to our brethren who were left behind. Do not forget that we are responsible for the fate of a nation. We can not allow our homeland to perish, and the world cannot be satisfied with tears of mourning. Let us inform all that he is guilty of murder who allows the dying to die. “Our assignment is education. First and foremost is the learning of the English language. We must adapt ourselves and become a part of American social life. We must acquaint ourselves with true democracy. We must learn everything about this country to ascertain what made the United States a truly great nation, so that some day we may use our learning and knowledge to help our own people rise. “I give my thanks to everyone who helped with the arrangements for this Congress. I thank the Foundation for Youth and Student Affairs and the University of Chicago for their support. My thanks also go to every citizen of the United States who received us as their brothers. I feel as Michael Vörösmarty wrote: ‘Brothers I have countless millions, they protect me and I defend them. I am not afraid of you, Fate, whatever you want.’ ” The Hungarian Folk Art Exhibit. A visitor in Hungarian national dress. The golden, 600-year-old statue of St. Laszlo.
