Verhovayak Lapja, 1954 (37. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1954-04-07 / 4. szám
In 1932, when America was celebrating the two Hundredth Anniversary of the birthday of George Washington, in New York there was formed the “Colonel Michael de Kováts Society”. The aim of the Society is to strengthen the American- Hungarian historical connections and to discover more data proving the importance of our hero. In the same year that the Society was formed, oh May 11, 1932, to commemorate the heroic death of Colonel Kováts, a memorial celebration was held in New York City in Central Park, during which two trees were planted in his memory. Tire memorial services were attended by Edward, Prince of Wales, King Albert of Belgium, General Pershing and by civilian and military leaders. In 1939 the Hungarians of America presented a beautiful plaque to the New York Historical Society. This plaque, created by the Hungarian artist Alexander Finta, depicts our hero on a horse, with drawn saber. In the background the walls of Charleston can be seen. On September 16,1944 a new Liberty Ship was launched in St. Petersburg, Florida. The ship proudly bears the following name, “Colonel Michael de Kováts”. The American-Hungarian War Bond Committee of Western Pennsylvania, through its diligent efforts, sold nearly four million dollars’ worth of War Bonds and had the privilege of naming a Liberty Ship. The name chosen was “Colonel Michael de Kováts”, who was the first Hungarian who gave his life for our Country during the Revolutionary War. On one of the squares in Washington, D. C. there are four beautiful statues, each representing a military hero of foreign birth, the Polish Pulaski, the German Von Steuben and the French Lafayette and Rochembeau. The statue of the Hungarian Kováts is missing. His sacrifices, military knowledge and experience made it possible that freedom and independence were not only won but preserved for centuries to come. ' HIS STATUE BELONGS THERE! — 16 •• The First Hungarian To Give His Life In Defense Of American Liberty Colonel-Commandant MICHAEL de KOVATS Drillmaßter of Washington’s Cavalry By COLOMAN REVESZ VERHOVAY FRATERNAL INSURANCE ASSOCIATION Pittsburgh, Pa.
