Verhovayak Lapja, 1945 (28. évfolyam, 1-52. szám)

1945 / Verhovay Journal

VOL. XXVIII.' JUNE 13, 1945 31 NO. 11

THIS FLAG!

“I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all”

On June 14th the nation will observe Flag-day, commemorating the adoption 168 years ago of the star-spangled banner as the national symbol. In time of peace the flag usually was looked at as a national relic of historical significance, a symbol of things taken for granted and something to use as a decoration on anniversaries of historic events. It was respected by all but at the same time this respect lacked the personal relationship which it has assumed during the war. The flag wTas honored but it did not emotionally affect the people as it does now since our young men are fighting all over the world to place this flag as a symbol of victory and liberation on top of every enemy strong-hold.

In that respect, the picture made of the flag-raising on Iwo Jima, became one of the most effective means by which the Flag of the United States v'as made a symbol of the price of victory in suffering, blood and lives. Seeing that Flag raised by six marines, we instantly remember the thousands who have lost their lives and the many more who have been wounded in that bloody campaign. Thus the f’ag becomes a symbol of the sufferings of our armed forces, the sacrifices they are ''called upon to make while fighting loyally f or the victory of all for which this republic stands.

Looking up at the Flag w’e are reminded of the price of “Liberty and Justice for all” Looking up at the Flag we are reminded of our friends and neighbors who had to pay this bitter price by losing their dear ones.

Wherever we go, we meet the Flag. It constantly reminds us, at every turn, that there is still a bitter war going on in the Pacific theatre of War. As our armed forces near Japan, the fight becomes increasingly difficult and costly. First we spoke of Saipan and Tarawa as the costliest of all Pacific battles. Iwo Jinu overshadowed them. And now' Okinawa reminds us that the bittrest fights and the greatest losses are still ahead of us.

Wherever we go, we meet the Flag. Now it is our Flag, for it appeals to our emotions. It symbolizes not only the United States but our fighting, bleeding and dying men. It reminds us of them. It calls upon us to support them to the limit in their hard struggle. Thus the Flag becomes our conscience. Its stars and stripes ask us: “Have you done everything for your sons and for the sons of your neighbors? Have you done everything to speed victory?”

What W'e can do for the winning of this bitter war is well known to all. We can and must do our utmost in purchasing WAR BONDS. While the SEVENTH WAR LOAN DRIVE is on, our brothers have been dying by the thousands on Okinawa alone. And we may have to fight hundreds of Okinawas before final victory can be attained.

The Vcrhovay F. I. Association purchased 350,000 dollars worth of War Bonds during this 7(h W'ar Bond Drive alone. How are our branches doing? The Flag, the symbol of the sufferings of our voung men, puts the question before us: are we doing our best in the 7th drive, just as we did in the first six campaigns? And how about the fellow-members? How are they participating in the Seventh War Loan Drive?

Remember! Victory is far yet. And the long road to victory will be strewn full with the bodies of American men w'ho will have given their best so that the world may be free.

The 7th War Bond Drive is the challenge which we face now. But there is more to be done if we don't want these men to have suffered and died in vain. The Flag is the symbol of the United States, this republic and that for which it stands “One nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” These are the words of the Pledge of Allegiance, but they could just as well be read as the Creed of fraternalism. For these are the principles in which fraternalism comes closest to being a symbol of American democracy. Indivisible union—liberty—justice for all: these principles we cherish. For them our men fight under the Flag which symbolizes these principles. On Flag Day let us raise the question: .while our young men die by the thousands, are we not slipping on the homefront as far as retaining these highest values of democratic life are concerned? While active fraternalism puts into practice the principles for which the Flag stands, are not many of our members and branches and their officers getting rather indif ferent towards fraternalism, its principles and putting (hem into practice?

While our men are fighting for an indivisible nation, w'hat are we on the Home Front doing against the spirit of strife, dissent and indifference towards concerted action for the benefit of all?

While our men are bleeding on the Pacific front to give victory to Liberty, what are we doing for the preservation of our liberties among ourselves? Do we assert the individual’s right to his own opinion or do we permit the suppression of opinions which are net in harmony with our own?

While our men are dying on the Pacific front to bring Jusitce to all... are we practicing justice or do we superimpose our ambitions, interests to the one and only valid principle of Justice?

This war is fought in order that this indivisible nation, with liberty and justice for all, may be saved and continue to exist in the American way of life. How about letting all this come true in our own fraternal group? How about being as interested in the putting into practice the fraternal principles in every branch, as our soldiers are interested in winning the war? For let us not forget: the principles at stake are identical! And if it is the duty of our soldiers to suffer, to fight, to sacrifice and even to die for the realization of these principles, then it is our undeniable duty to live up to these very same ideals which are symbolized by the Flag and realized by this Republic and which it is our obligation to practice in full measure. No home-coming celebration will compensate our soldiers for the loss of the democratic values of fraternalism. It is our duty to "live up to them w'hile they fight for them even unto death!

Children Eat Plaster!

Let the horror of the following cablegram sink into the hearts of our readers. The message was sent from Budapest, Hungary, by the chairman of the Swedish Children’s Rescue Leauge, Mr. Erik Bjoerkman, to the American Hungarian Relief, Inc., New York, N. Y., on April 30, 1945, and reads as follows:

“HUNGARIAN CHILDREN EAT THE PLASTER FROM THE WALLS. MOTHERS HAPPY IF THEY HAVE RAGS TO USE UNDER PAPER IN WHICH THEY WRAP THEIR BABIES. IN TEMPORARY HOSPITAL SET UP UNDER CASTLE IN BUDA ALL MEDICAMENTS AND INSTRUMENTS LACKING. AMPUTATIONS PERFORMED WITH COMMON SAWS WITHOUT ANAESTHETICS. RUSSIAN SOLDIERS TREAT CHILDREN WELL BUT HAVE NO MEDICAMENTS FOR THEM.”

© © O

Please, read that cablegram again!

If we would hear stories like that about the people in India, we would open our pockets, wouldn’t we? No matter how distant a country it be, when catastrophe struck, the American people opened their pockets for there is only one thing greater than the American people and that is their heart.

But this cablegram didn’t come from India, South Africa or China. IT CAME FROM THE LAND WHERE THE RELATIVES OF THE MAJORITY OF VERHOV AY MEMBERS LIVE — if it can be called living.

Verhovayans of Hungarian descent, regardless of whether you are second or third generation, it is your duty to stop and THINK! Think what would have happened if your parents or grand parents hadn’t have the courage or the opportunity to emigrate!

You men, think! You would have born in Hungary, you would have grown up in Hungary, your homes would have been bombed, and it may have been you and you and you — whose arms or legs are amputated with a common saw — without anaesthetics!

You mothers think! You would live in Hungary and instead of wrapping your babies in the finest linen or cotton of the world, instead of dressing them up like little princes and princesses . . . you’d have to wrap them in newspaper and you would be happy if you would find a piece of some old, worn rag with which you could line the paper!

You parents think! Instead of giving your children bread, meat, fish, fowl, cakes, icecream, vegetables and plenty of all, rationing and food-shortages notwithstanding — your children would roam the streets and in the pain of hunger they would scratch the (Continued on Page 2)