William Penn Life, 2010 (45. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2010-03-01 / 3. szám
Branching Out with Endre Csomon Remembering Lajos Kossuth Leader of the 1848 Hungarian Revolt MARCH 15,1848, IS STILL FOREMOST in the thoughts of the Hungarian people. It was the great revolution for independence, freedom and survival. On March 15 of each year, or the Sunday nearest, Hungarians worldwide commemorate and rededicate themselves to the democratic principles propagated by Lajos (Louis) Kossuth, principles which are identical with the spirit of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States. Louis Kossuth was bom in 1802 in Monok Zemplén County. He studied law at the Reformed School of Sárospatak where he showed remarkable mental powers by memorizing all of his studies. He was arrested for published reports on the proceedings of the Hungarian Diet of 1832-36 and sentenced to four years imprisonment by the Austrian government. He spent three years in prison where he studied English from the Bible. (He was Lutheran by faith.) In 1840 he became editor of the Pesti Hírlap (Hungarian Daily). The revolt of March 15,1848, of which he was one of the leaders, led to the Hungarian independence. In the newly formed Hungarian government, he was appointed Minister of Finance and later elected Governor of Hungary. Kossuth led the short-lived Hungarian republic until it was evident that the national army could not stand against the Russian forces sent by the Czar to save the Austrian empire. In August 1849, Kossuth fled to Turkey where he was held as a political prisoner. The American people took an interest in Kossuth. The strong Kossuth sentiment throughout the states culminated in a resolution passed by both Houses of Congress to the effect that Kossuth be invited to the United States as the "guest of the nation." He visited the United States from 1851 to 1852, making large-scale tours of public appearances and speeches. He was received with great enthusiasm and was celebrated by the great American nation during his visits. Kossuth spoke not as a stranger but as a brother from the other side of the Atlantic. Charles F. Thwing, late president of Western Reserve University, said, "Among the great ones of the earth we place him." We still praise Kossuth 161 years later, and we still hear "Kossuth Apánk" just as George Washington is considered the father of the United States of America. March 15 will remain in our hearts as a symbol of freedom and liberty. Every March 15 the national song, "Talpra Magyar," is still revered by the Magyars wherever they are. On March 10,1894, at the age of 91, Lajos Kossuth gave back his earthly life to his creator in Turin, Italy. a. ..........-.........■ ■■ '■ .............-? Dear Members and Friends, We need your help. This appeal is on behalf of those who struggle with everyday basic necessities, such as putting food on their table. The Home Office is again collecting non-perishable food items and monetary donations which will be given to food banks in the Pittsburgh area. Donated items will be picked up by the WPA and transported to the food banks. Monetary donations of any amount will also be appreciated. Make checks payable to the “William Penn Association Foundation." If you have any questions, please contact the WPA toll-free at 1-800-848-7366, ext. 136. ENDRE CSOMAN 's .......................................................................................................................................... i William Penn Life, March 2010 3
