Verhovayak Lapja, 1944 (27. évfolyam, 1-52. szám)
1944 / Verhovay Journal
VOL.'XXVII. NOVEMBER 29, 1944 NO. 48. TOWARDS GREATER UNITY Ä Report on the Convention of the American Hungarian Federation Three weeks ago we wrote about the “End of a Curse”, reporting that various organizations of American citizens of Hungarian descent agreed upon unified action in behalf of the starving people of Hungary. The Convention of the American Hungarian Federation, held in Cleveland on November 14 and 15th, seemed to us as the climax of the same tendency, prevalent among Americans of Hungarian descent, clamoring for greater unity amongst the varicus groups of American Hungarians. We propose to make a detailed report on the proceedings for the following reasons: 1.) Many of the readers of the Journal have been asking for mere information as to the activity and program of the American Hungarian Federation. We feel that this convention has contributed much towards the enlightment of the membership as well as of those Americans ot Hungarian descent who, for various reasons, have held themselves aloof from this organization. By reporting all that has happened at the Convention, we are able to give the readers all the information they need. 2. The Verhovay F. I. Association, by its substantial annual contributions is one of the pillars of this organization. At the XX. Convention of our Association more than a day was spent investigating the activities of the Federation and as a result of these examinations and investigations the Convention voted, by overwhelming majority, to continue membership in the Federation. However, only the delegates attended the Convention; the bulk of the membership still does not know much about the Federation, A full report on the Convention of the Federation will help the second generation membership understand the issues that were at stake at the last convention of the Verhovay. 3. ) At the XX. Convention of the Verhovay, the second generation delegates plSyed an important role in determining the final outcome of the debate. Vice-President Ari, Directors Falussy, Brogley, Supreme Auditor Sabo, and many others may well be credited with having exercised great influence upon the Convention in favor of our continued membership in the American Hungarian Federation. Their attitude was representative of the ideology of our second generation membership, which means that the second and third generation members of the VF. I.A. are interested in the program of the American Hungarian Federation and willing to participate in greater measure in its activities, provided full information is given to them concerning the real standing and true scope of the program of the Federation. 4. ) Second and third generation members are descendants of immigrants, who, because of their attachment to their fathers and mothers have not entirely lost their interest in the fate of Hungary and, while we as American citizens, do not propose to pursue foreign politics, we nevertheless believe that the keeping alive of such interest will only serve to help achieve a greater understanding of those ideals that underlie our war effort. For these reasons we dedicate substantial space in this issue to the report on this Convention which may be considered one of the most memorable events in the history of Americans of land, O., which invited the Supreme Officers, the Board of Directors and the members of the Auditing Committee, and other Verhovayans to a banquet held in their honor in the Verhovay Hall on Buckeye Rd. Mr. Szalay, Vice-president of the Association and president of Branch 14, welcomed the guests and introduced them to the select audience. Mr. Bencze addressed the guests outlining the importance of the following day’s Convention. He spoke of the sufferings of the people of Hungary and of the most important" task before the meant more to the naturalized citizen-delegates than to the natives for they could appreciate the greatness of this • country which grants the privilege of holding a free convention to descendants of a nation which, unfortunately, declared war on the United States. THE DELEGATES There were about 150 delegates present, each representing one or more groups and organizations. Some delegates really made a stir when announcing the groups they represented. For instance, the rtev. Daroczy, minister of the Free Magyar Reformed Church, represented his own and the Catholic church of his town: a symbol of the universal urge for greater unity among Americans of Hungarian descent, and an example of how it can be accomplished. The delegates came from every part of the country where there are American Hungarian colonies. They covered the territory lying between New York and Milwaukee, Wis. and Buffalo and Southern Virginia, Columbus, O., and St. Louis, Mo.,—New York, Bridgeport, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Cleveland, Detroit, Toledo, Washington, D. C., Chicago, were heavily represented. THE CONVENTION OPENS At 2 PM the Convention was called to order by President Dr. Béla Szappanyos. Msgr. Elmer Eordogh offered the opening prayer which was followed by the Roll call. Then the representatives of the press were introduced to the Convention. A TELEGRAM TO THE PRESIDENT Aloysius Falussy, Director of the Verhovay F.I.A., read the text of a telegram to be sent to the President of the United States by the Convention. The message reads as follows: “The American Hungarian Federation, representing more than 100,000 loyal American Citizens of Hungarian descent, convening in Cleveland, takes this opportunity to greet you. We pray to the Almighty to keep you in good health so that you may continue your historical mission in behalf of the people of America and all humanity. We trust that with you at the helm we will achieve full victory followed by a lasting peace based on the Atlantic Charter and the Four Freedoms. The American Hungarian Federation.” The mayor of the hospitable city of Cleveland was also greeted by the Convention. Greetings were extended to the American Hungarian people of Cleveland, the city where the first American Hungarian Federation was organized 37 years ago. THE OFFICERS’ REPORTS The president pointed out that during the first 5 years of the existence of the reorganized Federation, this organization was subject to many attacks and accusations which forced the Federation to spend much time and energy in its own defense. Nevertheless, the Federation managed to gradually extend the scope of its activities. At present the American Hungarian Federation faces three tasks. First, to support the war effort of our nation to the utmost. Second, to extend a helping hand towards our native country. Third, to represent the true interests of downtrodden Hungary in order that it may receive just treatment at the peace conferences following the victorious conclusion of the war. Great applause greeted his dramatic declaration: “We do not propose to leave the field to those who are the enemies of everything that is Hungarian!” He opened the convention hoping that the delegates will find ways and means to solve the problems that arise from these three tasks that comfort the American Hungarian Federation. THE REPORT OF THE SECRETARY This important document, consisting of 11 pages, was distributed among the delegates. It (Continued on Page 2) To All Members of the Armed Forces Serving on Land, in the Air and on the Sea In behalf of the 53,000 members of the Verhovay Fraternal Insurance Association, it is our great pleasure to extend to you, the members of our Association, and to your comrades, our sincere wishes for a blessed Christmas and a Victorious New Year. Our prayers are with you constantly, but on the birth-day of the King of Peace we shall remember you especially, beseeching the Almighty to grant our just cause an early victory and to reward your heroism and your glorious sacrifices by bringing you home safely to your loved ones. We salute you and assure you that our thoughts are always with you. The unforgettable deeds of your glorious heroism are indelibly written into our hearts. We ask you to continue the great work of liberation, knowing that the God of Justice has already granted you ultimate victory. In return we promise that just as you will keep on fighting against the enemies of our liberties, so shall we continue working for you in order that upon your return you may find your country ready to reward your sacrifices with offering you all the great opportunities that have made the United States of America the greatest country in the world and that will make it an even greater country. May God bless you and protect you! In behalf of the Supreme Officers, the Board of Directors, the Auditing Committee, and the entire membership of the Verhovay Fraternal Insurance Association, we are respectfully and sincerely yours: JOHN BENCZE, COLOMAN RÉVÉSZ, Supreme President. Supreme Secretary. Hungarian descent which will possibly result in greater unity among American Hungarians. * * * * The Verhovay was heavily represented at the Convention. The Supreme Officers, the members of the Board of Directors and the Auditing Committee took active part in the proceedings while the editor of the Verhovay Journal attended as a member of the press. In proportion to the number of members the Verhovay casts the maximum number of votes, 30, thereby assuming a substantial share in the control of the Federation’s affairs. PRELUDE True Verhovay hospitality was American Hungarian Federation 1 which is to assist and further the Relief Campaign in behalf of Hungary. There were no other speeches, and the evening was pleasantly spent with friendly conversation and dancing. “WELCOME AMERICAN HUNGARIAN CONVENTION” Entering the Hotel Hollenden, where the Convention was held, a big sign greeted the delegates with a hearty welcome. And it wasn’t just a sign. Everyone was helpful and friendly and the delegates felt very much at home in the Hotel. The great city of Cleveland also took notice of the convention since the newspapers displayed by Branch 14# Cleve-gave it favorable publicity. This
