William Penn Life, 2006 (41. évfolyam, 2-12. szám)
2006-12-01 / 12. szám
It still hurts to remember The WPA’s Grand Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution rekindles memories both historic and painful by Mária Aczél Schauer "50 Years and It Still Hurts to Remember" said the front page of the memorial booklet we prepared for this celebration. It rang so true for all 150 of us when we gathered at Penn Scenic View on Oct. 21 to reflect and remember the tragic and historic events that we were part of 50 years ago: the Freedom Fight that changed our lives forever. When our bus load of Magyars arrived from Youngstown, Ohio, we were warmly greeted by Endre and Arlene Csornán and the committee that worked so hard to make this an unforgettable night. The tables were elegantly decorated with the red, white and green colors of our much loved Hungary, with candles lit in the center, reflecting the mood of the evening. The hors d'oeuvres tables were so inviting, we just had to go back for a second helping. Drinks were passed around as we greeted old friends, met new ones and renewed old acquaintances. By the time the program started, we were all relaxed and glowing in the warmth of the evening. The program started with a welcome from National President George S. Charles Jr. By the time we finished singing the National Anthem and Magyar Himnusz, we were full of memories and emotions One of the revoltuion’s most powerful and enduring symbolsthe Hungarian flag with the crest cut out of the center-is carried into the dining hall. The story of the revolution was retold in displays featuring photographs from those fateful days in 1956 as well as a list of names of many of those who sacrificed their lives in the fight for freedom. we just couldn't deny, nor wanted to. Kati Csornán, our mistress of ceremonies, eloquently introduced the evening's guests and recalled some of her memories while working at the American Embassy in Budapest. During the moment of silent prayer, our hearts were full of thanksgiving that we live in this land of the free and thanksgiving for those who fought and died in the streets of Budapest to make this moment possible 50 years later. The tears started flowing when we heard the "Talpra Magyar" emotionally recited by Joe Fabri. Silently, we said it along with him. Then, when Joseph Horvath presented his poem, his voice choked with tears. It felt as if the revolt happened just yesterday, not 50 years ago. Louis Biro spoke briefly of the "fight" that brought out the best in all of us, which was the beginning of the end for the Communist regime. State Rep. Nick Kotik, a member of the WPA Board of Directors, addressed the audience and told us that there are people in this country who care about what happened 50 years ago and will carry on the memory to the next generation. The Rev. Imre Bertalan recalled how Hungarians 6 William Penn Life, December 2006
