William Penn Life, 2002 (37. évfolyam, 1-11. szám)
2002-02-01 / 2. szám
Ambassador joins in commemoration of Louis Kossuth’s visit to Trenton Celebrating the 150th anniversary of Louis Kossuth’s visit to Trenton, N.J., were (l-r) Joseph Hámori, Auditing Committee member, National Director William J. Bero; Anthony C. Beke, chairman of the Board; Dr. Géza Jeszenszky, ambassador of the Republic of Hungary; E. E. Vargo, vice<hairman of the Board; National Director Frank J. Radvany; and National Director Charles Johns. TRENTON, NJ - Geza Jeszenszky, ambassador of the Republic of Hungary, was the guest of honor Jan. 13 at ceremonies marking the 150th anniversary of Louis Kossuth's visit to Trenton. Kossuth, called the "Father of Hungarian Democracy," toured the United States following the Revolution of 1848-49. He sought to win international support for Hungary's release from Hapsburg rule and its right to democratic self-rule. His personal magnetism, courage, oratorical skills and organizational talents were well-noted by leaders throughout the world. It would take nearly 150 years following Kossuth's visit to America for his dream of a free and democratic Hungary to come true. Ambassador Jeszenszky's visit began with a worship service at the Hungarian Reformed Church of Trenton, with the Rev. László Ujj officiating. After the service, Dr. Jeszenszky and embassy staffers who accompanied him were entertained at a reception where the ambassador met many members and guests of the city's Hungarian community. A luncheon was served at the church's Bishop Beky Center. In his remarks, Dr. Jeszenszky related many incidents from Kossuth's life. The ambassador also said he admired the courage of those Hungarians who emigrated to the United States. Many of them were penniless, he said, but, through hard work, dedication, devotion and fortitude, built beautiful churches, auditoriums and recreation halls. He urged the younger generation of Hungarian Americans to continue the hard work and dedication necessary to preserve and foster the Hungarian heritage and culture. The celebration concluded with a performance by the Folk Artists Group of New Brunswick, N.J. The ambassador's reception and luncheon were sponsored by WPA Branch 13 Trenton, the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America Branch 20 Trenton, and the American-Hungarian Civic Association of Trenton (AHCA). Rev. Ujj served as chairman of the event, while WPA Chairman of the Board Anthony C. Beke served as a primary organizer for the event and prepared the anniversary booklet. The committee also included: Frank J. Radvany, WPA national director and president of WPA Branch 13; Dominick Misciascio, president of the AHCA; Joseph Hamari, member of the WPA National Auditing Committee and vice president of the AHCA; Steven Beke; Marguerite Beke; Denise and Julius Oroszvary; Rose Thomas; and Elizabeth Trimble. Out of town guests attending the ceremonies included many members of the WPA's Official Family and officials from the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America. On target for EU BUDAPEST — Hungary's progress towards entry into the European Union remains on target for 2004, according to the EU’s new ambassador to Hungary. Jürgen Koppen, speaking at a recent Hungarian Business Leaders’ Forum lunch, said Hungary has met EU standards in 24 of 29 “chapters,” or areas of compliance, but faced tough hurdles in the areas of media supervision and state aid to the private sector. “This year will be decisive, with an emphasis on administrational and institutional readiness,” he said. Research workshop URBANA, IL — The University of Illinois-Urbana-Champagne Campus will host a Hungarian Studies Research Workshop June 17 to 21. The workshop is open to educators, students and independent researchers working on a Hungarian-related topic. The campus offers one of America’s largest Hungarian libraries, with 24,000 books, journals and periodicals about Hungary. For more information, contact Arthur A. Bartfay, 2987 Trentwood Road, Columbus, OH 4321-2346; or send email to tiszafolyo@yahoo.com. Socialist party rises BUDAPEST — As Hungarians prepare for the first round of national Parliamentary elections April 7, a recent poll places the opposition Hungarian Socialist Party (HSP) ahead of the ruft. Fidesz party. The poll, conducted by the Szonda Ipsos company, showed 25 percent of voters favored HSP to 22 percent for Fidesz. Forty percent were uncertain of their preference. IVilliam Penn Life, February 2002 13
