William Penn Life, 2009 (44. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2009-07-01 / 7. szám
Magyar Matters Europe marks 20th anniversary of Curtain's fall from the Voice of America BUDAPEST - Leaders from 20 European countries and the United States gathered here June 27 to remember how Hungary, exactly 20 years ago, helped to remove the Iron Curtain, which divided Eastern and Western Europe for decades. On June 27,1989, the foreign ministers of then Communist Hungary and neighboring Austria symbolically cut through the barbed wire fence along their country's borders. This allowed tens of thousands of East German refugees later that year to escape to the west, including Robert Breitner Zuma who suffered because of his parent's church activities and his desire to emigrate. Zuma said he will never forget the material and moral support he received in Hungary. "It was like a dream," he said, for him to have a West German passport which he received in Budapest. The events opening the Iron Curtain were recalled by Hungary's then Prime Minister Miklós Nemeth. He said his decision to help remove the Iron Curtain and the later permission for East Germans to leave was a major risk as Hungary was still part of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact Bloc. "The Defense [representative] of the German Democratic Republic immediately appeared in Budapest and asked for an explanation. And we gave him the explanation [saying] 'We are a poor country. Unfortunately we are not in a position to restore technically or renew technically the Iron Curtain,'" he said. He added there were not only economic reasons to help remove the Iron Curtain. He said he also wanted to defend human rights and political freedoms. The head of the visiting U.S.Congressional delegation, Democratic Congressman David Price, presented a letter from President Obama recalling the historic events of 20 years ago. "The brave decision of the Hungarian and Austrian governments to open their borders set the stage for the spread of freedom to the surrounding nations, the end of Communist control in the region, and forever changed the political landscape of Europe," President Obama wrote. Among the celebration, there were words of caution. In the midst of Europe's deepest recession in decades, those gathered agreed it is crucial not only to look back but also to build a stronger and more prosperous united Europe. Learn Hungarian Hungarian Heritage Experience set for Aug. 2-8 at Penn Scenic View From Aug. 2 to 8,2009, the WPA will conduct an intensive Hungarian workshop at its beautiful facilities at Penn Scenic View. Instruction in the Hungarian language will be offered at either a beginners or intermediate level, depending on the needs of the students. The cost for the week-including lodging, all meals, books and materials~is $275 for WPA members and $325 for non-members. Reservations will be limited to 25 students and will be accepted on a first-come/first-served basis. To reserve your place at the Hungarian Heritage Experience, complete the form below and send it, along with full payment, to the address shown. Hungarian Heritage Experience Reservation Form August 2-8, 2009 • Penn Scenic View, Rockwood, PA Name: Please check the type of classes in which you would like to participate: □ Hungarian Language □ Hungarian Crafts □ Hungarian Cooking □ Hungarian History □ Hungarian Music □ Hungarian Folk Dancing Address: Phone: Email: WPA Certificate Number Fee = $275 per WPA member / $325 per non-member Make check payable to “William Penn Association" Mail this form and check to: Hungarian Heritage Experience, William Penn Association 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233 William Penn Life, July 2009 9
