Verhovayak Lapja, 1945 (28. évfolyam, 1-52. szám)
1945 / Verhovay Journal
VOL. XXVIII. MARCH 14, 1945 NO. 5, SEVEN VERHOVAY HEROES’ PORTRAITS PRESENTED ONE OF THE MOST JOSEPH KOVACH 424. Tarrytown, N. Y. Four hundred guests appeared on the 24th of February, Saturday evening, in the White Hall of St. Steven’s Church to pay tribute to the seven members of the Verhovay branches in New York and vicinity who paid the Supreme Sacrifice. It was a select and refined audience which met the bereaved families of these heroes with deep respect and sincere sympathy. This was an event on which fraternal ideals were realized to their full extent and its memory as well as its effects will remain for many years in the minds of those who attended this unusual occasion. The two largest branches of New York, 35 and 83, jointly arranged the banquet all proceeds of which are to be turned over to the American Hungarian Relief, Inc., for the assistance of the distressed and impoverished people of Hungary. It was fitting that the profits realized from this undertaking be dedicated to this purpose, for these young men fought and died in order that oppressed people may regain their liberty and attain freedom from fear and want. That noble purpose embraced all nations which were overrun and oppressed by the enemies of freedom, it included also Hungary, the land which their fathers and mothers left decades ago and to which now they sent back their sons as liberators. None of the seven ever reached the borders of their parents’ native land; nevertheless, they were instrumental in its liberation for it was the pressure exerted by the victorious American and British armies that enabled Russia to finally break down Nazi resistance in Hungary. By arranging a banquet in the honor of these seven heroes and for the benefit of the starving people of Hungary, these seven Verhovay heroes once more extended their helping hands towards the native country of their parents and added a posthumous act of brotherly kindness to the sacrifice they made on the field of battle. They fought for liberty until death and then their blessed memory once more served to help the cause of the oppressed people . . . Apparently, the audiance sensed that this was to be more than just a memorial celebration . . . they came to pay tribute to the seven Verhovay heroes of that city and its vicinity ... to extend heartfelt sympathy to these heroes’ bereaved families who were honored guests on this solemn occasion . . . and to remember a crucified nation the desperate agony of which was deeply felt by all present. It was a funereal occasion, exalted by its purpose to save lives . . . The solemnity of this event was written over every face. Joseph Hattayer, president of Branch 83, opened the program describing with simple but moving words MEMORABLE EVENTS IN EDWARD HORVATH 83. New York, N. Y. the purpose of the banquet and, then, introduced Mr. Aloysius Falussy, Director, as the Master of Ceremonies. Mr. Falussy proved a master of his task: with solemn eloquence he emphasized the two-fold purpose of the event: to pay tribute to the seven heroes and to render assistance to an unfortunate nation. He introduced Miss Bertha Paszty, a member of the Cincinnati Opera, who sang the “Star Spangled Banner.” Miss Paszty was the logical choice for this assignment because she has been a member of the Verhovay since her childhood. After grace had been offered by the assistant priest of the parish, the banquet was served. The few addresses that followed the banquet were all in keeping with the spirit of the occasion. The brother of our director Falussy, Captain Anthony Falussy, M.D., created stir when he addressed the audience in perfect Hungarian, expressing his joy over being privileged to attend this memorial banquet after having spent more than thirty months on the front. He lauded the Verhovay for the beautiful thought to present the portraits of its heroic dead to the bereaved families. Dr. Bela Mark, director of the American Sick Benefit Association, spoke then, commending the Verhovay for giving the families of its heroic dead members a lasting token of its gratitude. He also spoke of the tragic needs of the Hungarian people and asked the audiance to participate wholeheartedly in the movement to assist Hungary. Rezső Geller, President of Branch 35, addressed the audience expressing the grateful sentiments of the membership of the Association towards those who have made the greatest sacrifice. Mr. Falussy introduced Mr. Vito Marcantonio, member of the U. S. Congress, who was sent to the Congress by the district where most of the members of Branches 35 and 83 live. Many of the members of these branches know him personally and, therefore, he addressed the audience with words of true friendship. He paid tribute to the American-Hungarian heroes who have given their lives for their country and he urged all American-Hungarians to work in harmony for the success of this war in which these heroes have shed their blood. Supreme Secretary Coloman Revesz arose then and addressed the audience recalling the first great Hungarian hero who gave his life for his adopted country: Col. Michael Kovats. His slogan was: “Loyalty—unto death!”—and he lived up to his slogan VERHOVAY HISTORY ...................—---------------------------------------------------------------GEORGE OROSZ 2. Kulpmont, Pa. ...H for he died in battle for the Liberty of the United States. His glorious example was followed by these young men—he said—for they too have been loyal unto death . . . Thereby, they added their names to the great host of erstwhile Hungarians who came to this country and sacrificed their lives so that its freedom may be preserved. Following his deeply moving speech, Supreme President John Bencze arose. “History—he said— remembers only the great leaders who sent their soldiers into battle but it always forgot to mention the many thousands who obeyed the command even unto death« The Verhovay Fraternal Insurance Association, which since 59 years, represents and practices fraternalism, wishes to remember those whom history forgets: the common soldiers who gave up their lives in the fulfilment of their duty.” While he spoke, the curtain rose slowly, revealing the beautifully decorated stage in the midst of which a huge board was placed with the portraits of the seven heroes covered with crepe. Two Verhovay girls, in evening gowns, stood at attention at either side of the board. Mr. Bencze turned toward the stage. A great tension overcame the audience and in the ensuing breathless silence he called the name of the first heroic dead member of the Verhovay. “Edward Horvath.” The girls gently lifted their hands and the crepe fell from the portrait revealing the charming, youthful features of the first Verhovayan wTho died in this war. Only those who saw the portrait, can fathom the deep effect it had on all those present. There is a little glimmer in his eyes, a faint smile on his curved lips that makes the portrait so life-like that its sudden unveiling sent a painful shudder of recognition through the audience. And then the funereal silence broke... a suppressed sob, from the table facing the stage . . . coming from his mother and father . . . and those who loved him . . .________ “Laslo Bako!”—called the Supreme President. And the veil fell from the second portrait. A sigh of recognition trembled through the hall . . . and the stiffled sobs of the second family mingled with those of the Horvath’s... one had the sensation of chimes peeling in the distance for those who were dearest to us . . . (Continued on Page 2)
