William Penn Life, 1986 (21. évfolyam, 1-6. szám)
1986 / Különszám
William Penn Life, Special Centennial Issue, Page 17 Ilii U 111 I l I I Ol M \\ \M ll\(- ION April 25, 1986 I congratulate all the members of the William Penn Association as you celebrate your Centennial. One hundred years ago a small number of Hungarian immigrant coal miners came together to establish mutual aid and insurance programs for themselves, their fellow workers, and their families. They were able to provide help for members of the Association suffering from industrial accidents. Now, a century later, the Association numbers 70,000, and the range of your programs has expanded tremendously. Your fraternal care provides just about every type of benefit needed, and you have also moved in many other directions such as housing and care for the elderly. I commend you and your founders for doing so much on your own initiative. You saw the problem, pooled resources, organized yourselves, and got the job done! This is in the best American tradition. Again, my warmest congratulations. You make us all proud. God bless you. (S+mJUL AMBASSADOR OF THE HUNGARIAN PEOPLES REPUBLIC June 2, 1986 Dear Mr. Banes: In the week that has passed since the 100th Anniversary Banquet of the William Penn Association, I have, on more than one occasion, thought back and reflected on the evening I have had the pleasure to spend with you and your colleagues. It was, indeed a heartwarming experience, a moving evening. The participants, in excess of a thousand gave renewed proof of the vitality of your Association. The spectacular surroundings, the greetings expressed, the friendly atmosphere made it one of the most memorable events I have attended as Ambassador in this country. While I thank you very much for your kind invitation and your generous hospitality, on behalf of Mr. Viktor Polgár and other Hungarians participating at your celebrations from the old country and that of myself, may I wish you further outstanding success for the next 100 years for the Association! Köszönettel és legjobb kívánságokkal, Mr. Gay Banes National President William Penn Association 709 Brighton Rd., Pittsburg, PA 15233 l1 COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR HARRISBURG GREETINGS: As Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, I am pleased to extend warm regards to those attending the William Penn Association's Centennial Celebration banquet. This is, indeed, a milestone occasion. The William Penn Association is the largest Hungarian-American fraternal society in our country, and, for the past century, has rendered many services to its members while preserving your proud Hungarian heritage throughout our state and nation. Ginny and I extend our best wishes for an enjoyable anniversary celebration. ARLEN SPECTER PENNSYLVANIA United States 3tnate WA.HIN0T0,, DC 20810 COMMTtm JUDICIARY APPROPRIATIONS VETERANS AFFAIRS INTELLIGENCE May 24, 1986 Mr. Gay B. Banes National President William Penn Association Dear Mr. Banes: I very much regret that I cannot be with you this evening as the William Penn Association celebrates its 100th anniversary, truly a magnificent milestone. I am with you, however, in spirit and 1 send you my congratulations and very best wishes. The William Penn Association deserves the accolade of everyone for its wonderful work over the past century in helping Hungarian-Americans who have needed help. The true measure of any person is how far they are willing to extend themselves to help a fellow human being. In this regard, your association has an enviable record. While the situation of Hungarian-Americans has improved immeasurably over the past century as a result of their own hard work and endeavor and because of the efforts of your group, there will always be a role for the William Penn Association in the affairs of Hungarian-Americans. It is my sincere hope that the association will continue to provide for those in need. Equally important is its role in preserving, enriching and passing down to new generations of Hungarian-Americans the very rich and valuable Hungarian culture. Again, my congratulations and very best wishes. AS/Y0/dt Sincerely,, Arien Specter
