William Penn Life, 2010 (45. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2010-10-01 / 10. szám

Tibor's Take

you see Sándor. He is running towards you with two Nagant rifles strapped to his back. He trips and falls right in front of you. As you help him up, he falls into your arms. He then lays limp in your stretched out arms. He has a gunshot wound to the back. He gasps and says: "Take the guns." You follow his orders. From around the corner a dozen or so Russian troops spot you and yell. Instinctively, you drop the guns and run. They shoot at you, but miss. You run like the wind and never look back.

You make it back to your apartment, wondering if anyone recognized you. You decide to leave Budapest for your hometown. You will have to walk a very long distance. You can only travel at night; you hide under bridges during the day. You are starved and cold. All of your money and belongings remain in Budapest.

After 12 long days and nights of foot travel, you see your village on the distant horizon. Russian tanks are rolling by. You dare not make any type of eye contact. You take the back fields to get home. You can now see the little three-room house of your youth. At the front door is a military vehicle driven by the rendőrség. They are interrogating your parents. You dare not advance too quickly. You hide and will wait until nightfall.

Around midnight, you sneak into the back of the house up through the root cellar. Everyone is asleep, except for your édes anya and apa. After a short, joyous reunion, they inform you that you are a wanted man. Your father gives you the last of his savings. Your mother cries and kisses you good-bye. You know you will never see them again. Your father's parting words: "Go to America."

AS A STUDENT OF HISTORY, I see the enormous value of not only knowing what happened but also understanding how and why it happened. Understanding the past gives me insight to survive in the present and serves as inspiration for the future.

As my sister so eloquently once said, "the Communist

system not only is immoral, but always erodes away a nation's character, one person at a time."

Whenever I speak with a person that experienced the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, I see a spark ignite in their eyes. When I speak with Frank Soos or Kalman Molnár,

I see each gentleman's enthusiasm and love for freedom is a joyous part of their facial expression. But, when I ask them to describe life in Hungary before their departure, the spark in their eyes becomes a cold, grey stare of despair and suffering.

Over my short lifetime, I have had conversations with dozens of "1956 Magyar-Americans." That same spark and that same stare emanates from all their faces.

This past winter I embarked on a five-day trip to Washington, D.C. for the Model UN Competition. Although I was with five other team members, this was the first time I traveled on my own without family. I knew I was coming back to Ohio in a couple of days. I knew that my parents were a phone call away. I knew where I was going and had some money. I spoke the same language of those around me. If a emergency would arise, I could ask a nearby police officer for help.

For a "1956er," none of the aforementioned assurances were present.

I can only imagine what the more than 200,000 Hungarian refugees of 1956 went though on their escape to the free world. But the hope and freedom that come with living in America must have tasted sweeter than Tokaji Aszú Essencia.

A few months ago, I was able to speak with and informally interview a captain of American industry. Mr. Imre "Jim" Balog is the founder and owner of the MarBal Corporation. He came to America 1956. His story of escape and close calls would make a great script for a Hollywood movie. His Motto:

"Freedom = Inspiration = Opportunity = Success"

/

Éljen America/Hungary,

Tibor II

Tibor Check Jr. is a member of Branch 28 Youngstown, Ohio, and a student at Cleveland State University. He serves as host of the “Souvenirs of Hungary” weekly radio show broadcast on WKTL-90.7 FM in Struthers, Ohio.

Photo: “Celebration of 1956, Hungary" (c) Nyul/Dreamstime.com

Let's hear your take

Let me know how you enjoy my thoughts and views on growing up Hungarian Style. If you have any questions or comments about me or my column, please email me at: SilverKingl937@yahoo.com, or drop me a letter in care of the William Penn Association, 709 Brighton Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15233.

William Penn Life ° October 2010 ° 9