Verhovayak Lapja, 1945 (28. évfolyam, 1-52. szám)
1945 / Verhovay Journal
August 8, 1945 V erhovay Journal Page 5 “VERHOVAY BROTHERLY LOVE HAS NO LIMITS” HERO’S MEMORY HONORED IN WHITING, IND. On July 22nd—one oi the hottest days this year—an impressive crowd gathered in St. Mary’s Parish hall, to pay tribute to John Geleta, the 44th heroic dead member of our Association. His mourning family was surrounded by a host of relatives, friends and members who came from many other towns and cities to express their sympathy on this occasion. Cpl. John Geleta, a mémber of the Air Corps was killed in aerial action over the Mediterranean on April 20, 1944. The memorial celebration was opened by Michael Szilvassy, president of Branch 22 of which the late John Geleta was a wellbeloved member. His opening address was followed by the singing of “'Ave Maria”—truly an appropriate selection—rendered by Phyllis Grothouse, Francis Kowalezyk, Dorothy Poracky and Clarice Corner, students of the Whiting, Ind., High School. The first speaker was Hon. I. McCarthy. Deputy Mayor of Whiting, who expressed his sympathy in behalf of the city’s popula(ion, to the bereaved family. He praised the example set by the Verhovay in perpetuating the memory of its heroic dead members by having their portraits painted and presented to the next of kin. That example—he said—will certainly make a deep impression on the other nationalities of the city. Father Sipos, Priest of the Hungarian Roman Catholic Church in East Chicago, Ind., movingly spoke of the service rendered by our heroes to our country. Ernest Kunstadt, Manager of Branch 164, Chicago, 111., and chairman of the Auditing Committee expressed his sympathy in behalf of. the many thousand Verhovay parents whose sons serve with the armed forces. His address was followed by a prayer, offered by the Rev. Father Lach, Whiting, Ind., and then the main speaker, Director John P. Kelemen mounted the platform. Silence prevailed for long moments. Somehow, everyone in the audience sensed the approaching drama. Director Kelemen faced (he bereaved family and the audience. One could feel that he came with an important message but found it hard to overcome his emotions ... Finally, he spoke ... First he spoke to the iamily as a father who could share the sorrow of the mourning mother, father, sister, brother and the relatives... Then he continued as an erstwhile soldier who fought through the first world war in which he experienced all the horrors and sufferings of warfare ... With slowly rising voice he went on, speaking as the Director of the Verhovay Fraternal Insurance Association. He pointed out (hat this organization is not an insurance company, but a brotherhood of Americans of Hungarian descent the members of which are one family united in sympathy, cooperation and understanding. His next words were addressed not only to the family of the hero and the fellow-members who came from all parts of Illinois and Indiana to pay tribute to the late John Geleta... they were intended as a message to all Americans of Hungarian descent regardless of in what part of the country they reside. Speaking now with prophetic power, be emphasized that John Geleta, 22 year old Verhovay soldier, sacrificed his life in order that his brethren, here and in every other part of the world, MAY FREELY ENJOY THE POSSESSION OF THEIR HUMAN RIGHTS He died for the better, secure and peaceful existence of humanity. He died for the churches and schools. He gave his life for the greatest ideals of mankind. And now WE ASK HELP—financial help—in order that we may continue the great work which he and his comrades had begun by giving up their lives. Due to the leadership of its officers, the membership of the Verhovay DID NOT WAIT. THERE WAS NO ARGUMENT NOR DISSENSION, BECAUSE THE VERHOVAY BROTHERLY LOVE HAS NO LIMITS! It depends on the leaders of American Hungarians whether or not the many thousands of John Geletas should have died in vain. And if they shall have died in vain—IT WILL BE THE GUILT OF THESE LEADERS! John Geleta sacrificed his blood and his life for those ideals which the American Hungarian Relief, Inc., endeavors to promote. This is the American Hungarian Relief movement against which innumerable sabotaging attacks were made by a great many who seem to wish that more starving, suffering children should die in Hungary! These saboteurs arc not at all concerned about the Hungarian immigrants’ relatives who remained in that formerly enslaved country... relatives among which there are farmhands, skilled workers and professionals. . . they are not concerned about them because they arc unscrupulous lackies of the upper classes. .. With these words Director Kelemen ended his address and stepped in front of John Geleta’s family... The veil was lifted from the portrait by the ladies of the branch ... And John Geleta appeared before the audience ... and his mother, in the martyrdom of her sorrow, couldn't say anything but: “Johnnie ... Johnnie ...” After the presentation the Rev. Father George Thegze, Master of Ceremonies, expressed his thanks in beha'f of the mourning family to the membership of the Verhovay for the beautiful gift and ths arranging of this memorial celebration. He thanked the Supreme Officers and the Board of Directors, the membership of Branch 22, especially Mr. Michael Szilvassy, president of the branch and his loyal helper, Mrs. Hermann, treasurer of the Branch; the members of the Branches 37, 96, 164 and 503, who attended the solemn occasion; District Manager George Toth and all other Verhovayans who came from Indiana Harbor, East Chicago Hammond and other cities, including the representatives of the local organizations. This memorial celebration was unique in the respect that Verhovayans from two states and many branches attended the occasion displaying, thereby, the brotherly spirit which unites real fraternalists when it comes to sharing the sorrow of one of their VERHOVAY HYDE PARK This is your column, members of the Verhovay and readers of the Verhovay Journal. You are as free to speak your mind in this column as are the orators in London’s famous Hyde Park. Your “letters to the editor” will be published faithfully, provided you give your name and the branch of which you are a member. If desired, we shall not publish your name but anonym letters are not published, partly as a matter of principle, partly because this is a forum for the members of the Association and wc have to have proof that the writer is a fellow-member in good standing. Your letter may contain approval or criticism, suggestions or questions, anything, as long as it has any connection with the acti- I vities and functions of the Ver- I hovay. The letter to the editor does not have to be an article, j Just put your thoughts down, we [ shall he glad to do the editing for you. The. editor reserves the right to answer the letters, but other readers, too, may reply to them. This column is intended to promote the exchange of ideas among the membership. All members of the Association are invited to contribute to this column. THE EDITOR. * * * RELIEF RUMORS (Letter No. 5.) “Dear Editor: Rumor in Detroit has. it that even the Home Office is breaking away from the American Hungarian Relief Movement. What’s the truth about it?” DETROIT MEMBER. DOES HOME OFFICE BREAK AWAY FROM RELIEF MOVEMENT? Dear Fellow-member: Thanks for asking this question. You are not the only one who came to us with the news of this very same gossip. The other day a branch-manager wrote to our Supreme President, stating that the solicitors in his branch were all set to start working, however, they felt rather dumbfounded upon hearing that the Home Office demanded the return of the amount donated to the “American Hungarian Relief Inc.,” because it was found that the whole organization serves communistic interests. Both of you deserve credit for asking for the truth instead of simply falling for the gossip. Sometimes, people are funny. The truth may be preached to them for years and they will still be dubious. But the first rumor is accepted by them as bearing all the marks of gospeltruth. You two are exceptions because you take trouble to find out about the truth. You will have the truth herewith. And the answer to your letter is addressed not only to you but to all the members of the Verhovay. 1.) The Supreme Officers of the Verhovay were very careful in endorsing the “American Hungarian Relief, Inc ” They demanded and received all assurances and proofs that the monies contributed by Americans shall be used for the sole purpose of aiding the needy peop'e of Hungary regardless of the religion, po’itical affiliation or social standing of j those to whom assistance is to be given according to their need. 1 2. ) Such proofs and assurances are: a.) the set-up of the “American Hungarian Relief, Inc.” the Executive Committee of which includes the leaders of all the great American Hungarian Associations, religious denominations, political parties, and other organizations. The integrity and sincerity, of these leadefs cannot be doubted by anyone. By working together, the leaders of many formerly opposing groups make it impossible for anyone faction to use the funds contributed by Americans to any other purpose but for which they were designated. b.) The fact that the “American Hungarian Relief, Inc.,” is under strict supervision of the “President’s War Relief Board,” the proper authority of the government of the United States, makes it impossible for anyone to use funds contrary to regulations or to make unauthorized expenditures as all expenditures must be approved by the Board. These and many other facts convinced the Supreme Officers and the Board of Directors of the Verhovay that the “American Hungarian Relief, Inc.” is a 100% dependable organization, acting in perfectly good faith. In fact it is the ONLY relief-organization, approved and supervised by the Government, which intends to render assistance to the needy people of Hungary regardless of religion, political affiliation or social standing. 3. ) Your letter didn't mention ihe communistic angle, but we can just as well take it up here. The Relief Movement has no political tendency, it is not politically involved and the fact that people who follow the communistic philosophy are willing to help the needy people of Hungary does not make the ’’American Hungarian Relief, Inc.,” a communistic organization. Many »f the delegates to the last Contention will recall some remarks made by Director Aloysius Faussy which were taken by some is being hostile expressions directed against Communists in reneral. It does not matter here vhether or not his remarks have been interpreted correctly, the act remains that he cannot be considered a Communist. This nan is the chairman of the Executive Committee of the “Araercan Hungarian Relief, Inc.” Pray, how can anyone accuse the Itelief Movement of serving Communistic interests when the majority of its Board-members ire men, who, on many occasions lave repudiated the doctrines of he communistic ideology? 4. ) The Board and the Officers of the Verhovay Fraternal Insurance Association have never at any time considered any breaking away from the Relief Movement. Sever, at any time, has the refund of any donation been demanded by the Verhovay. Never, at any time, has it been questioned whether or not the Verhovay should wholeheartedly suoport the Relief Movement. No member of the Board of Directors bas ever expressed anv doubt fellow-members The representatives of the various branches madr the family of John Geleta feel that they were not left alone in (heir sorrow and the portrait of th»!r beloved Johnnie will serve as a lasting symbol of Verhovay brotherhood. (Reported by: Ernest Kunstadt.) as to the utmost necessity of the ReHef Movement or to the conviction that we arc by duty bound to cooperate with anyone who is willing to render assistance to our relatives in war-torn Hungary. This is the truth, the whole truth and nothing hut the truth! CONSIDER THE SOURCES In making (he above statements we have (he full support of (he Supreme Officers and the Members of the Board of Directors. They are the source from which our statements come. When trying to establish the value of any statement, the source must be considered in every instance.- Consider the sources from which the rumors come and you will know that nothing but unfounded, malicious gossip can emanate from them. There are people who simply don’t want to make any sacrifices. They refused to purchase War Bonds because “they had si” that the purchasing of War Bonds will prolonge the war. They refused to give blood because they knew “from reliable sources” that the blood was sold for cash by (he Red Cross. They refuse 1c cooperate with the Relief Movement because again they “’have it” that it serves communistic interests ! which they prove by insisting (hat the Verhovay demanded a refund of its donations. They simply don’t want to j give, that’s all. But since they would not like to appear as Shy locks in the public eye, they lake cover under unlcvinded gossip p hJch serves as th< 5r excuse which justifies their selfrighteous withdrawal from the Relief Movement. Then there are others who have nothing to gain by the present po’itical and social set-up in Hungary. It doesn't please them that (he great feudalistic estates have been distributed among the, landpoor population. They resent, the influence of Soviet Russia in Hungary’s internal affairs. They resent and dislike many ether things and refuse to help the people of Hungary unless (he present set-up is changed into one conforming to what they think should he right for Hungary. It would be besides the point to argue about the relative merits of their assertions. Regardless of what political conditions prevail in Hungary, the fact remains that the people of Hungary, our relatives, have no medicaments, no medical care and that innumerable masses are on the brink of starvation. AVE, AS AMERICAN CITIZENS, HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO BUSINESS TO STICK OUR NOSE INTO HUNGARY’S POLITICAL SET-UP. It is very easy to write grand articles against the present Government of Hungary—here, in America. It is very easy to demand—from here—that the Hungarian people adopt another form of national existence which would conform to the ideas of the critics. We feel that anyone who feels called to “fight” for a different way of national existence in Hungary, should go a.ntl prove his courage there where “lighting” would actually amount to just (hat. OUR FIRST AND ONLY BUSINESS is to help our brothers, sisters and relatives who. through no fault of their own, suffer such undescrihable poverty that its challenge cannot be denied by anyone. The Verhovay F. I. Association accepts the challenge and is do(Continued cn Page 6)
