William Penn Life, 2011 (46. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2011-03-01 / 3. szám
Branching Out with Endre Csornán MARCH15 The Hungarian Revolution for Independence MARCH 15TH is a symbol of freedom and liberty for the Hungarian people. On this day, we pay tribute to the freedom-loving people, especially the youth, who lined up behind Lajos Kossuth and Sándor Petőfi to oppose the Habsburg-Austrian rule, demanding freedom and independence. For centuries Hungary defended the west from the eastern countries in Europe. The Carpathian Basin, encompassing the Tisza and Duna Rivers, known as "The Land of the Magyars," is saturated with blood. As the Magyars defended their western neighbors from the Russians, Mongols and Turks, they received no help. With all the great powers in Europe, it took Hungary—alone—150 years to force the Turks out of Hungary. But, the expulsion of the Turks did not create freedom for Hungary; instead the country became a providence of the Habsburg Empire. Finally, in 1848, under the leadership of Lajos Kossuth, Hungary declared full independence from the Habsburgs. The freedom was short lived. With the help of the Russian Czar, the Habsburgs crushed the revolution and instigated a series of brutal reprisals. Lajos Kossuth fled to Turkey with hundreds of followers. Sándor Petőfi, the great Magyar lyric, gave his young life on the battlefield to defend Magyar liberty. One hundred sixty-one years later, his national song is still revered by the Magyars wherever they are: By the God of the Magyars We solemnly swear The tyrant's yoke we will no longer bear! - Csornán Endre Mark your calendars for these WPA fraternal events in 2011: Join Hands Day May 7 (Saturday) A day of service when members make a difference in their communities through helpful projects that connect youths and adults. 28th Annual WPA Golf Tournament & Scholarship Days July 15-16 (Friday-Saturday) The tournament will be played at Quicksilver Golf Club in Midway, Pa. Accommodations will be at the Pittsburgh Airport Marriott, which will also be the site of the pre-tournament reception on Friday evening. Hungarian Heritage Experience July 31 - August 6 (Sunday-Saturday) The experience will again be held at Scenic View in Rockwood, Pa. Instruction in the Hungarian language will be offered at either a beginner or intermediate level. The cost for the week, including lodging, all meals, instruction and class materials, is $275 for WPA members and $300 for non-members. (See Page 14 for registration 4 0 March 2011 0 William Penn Life
