William Penn, 1957 (40. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1957-09-04 / 9. szám
Vol. XL. SEPTEMBER 18, 1957. 51 NUMBER 9. OUR NEW AMERICAN CITIZENS The oath of allegiance to the United States is an act of rejuvenation for all immigrants, displaced persons and refugees. By that act they become American citizens equal in rights to the native-born. A brief summary of the proceedings in Pittsburgh, Pa., on Friday, August 16, 1957 may affect us the more directly, for one of the petitioners who obtained citizenship of the United States, is one of the most talented and beloved employees of the Home Office, Dr. BELA VOLENSKY. He had the honor to be selected among 99 petitioners to thank, on behalf of the new citizens, the honor conferred on them. His achievement is more profound because the Court also gave credit to the William Penn Fraternal Association. The United States District Court of Western Pennsylvania assembled, with the Honorable WALLACE S. GOURLEY, Judge presiding, to admit 99 petitioners to American citizenship. After the fervent invocation of God’s blessings pronounced by Dr. Ernest V. May, superintendant of the Methodist Church Union, the advance of the colors by the Girl Scouts Troop 119, Duquesne, Pa. followed and the homage rendered to the Flag. Mr. Ned Haimovitz, on behalf of the Naturalization-and Immigration Service, reported that he was designated to move the Honorable Court for the admission of 99 petitioners. These petitioners had been examined by them and duly qualified under the Naturalization and Immigration Laws. The Court emphasized the difficulties of persons desiring to be admitted to American citizenship. As a fact, a great number of them tried it in vain and had to be turned back to their native countries. Thus the 99 petitioners present were fortunate to have been admitted now to the great heritage of the nation to enjoy the privileges 'of all American citizens. The proceedings culminated now in the administering of the Oath of Allegiance by the Court to each of the petitioners. The happy smiles of the new citizens after the taking of Oath of Allegiance were visible signs of their emotions. Then the Court asked Mr. Harbaug Miller, — a successful lawyer, member of the Bar in Allegheny County, — to welcome the new citizens. » Mr. Miller emphasized the importance of sports in educating people in the spirit of teamwork and welcomed the new citizens to the work of realizing world peace and a better way of life. The Court addressed now the following words to Dr. VOLENSKY: “Among our new citizens today is an individual engaged in the practice of law in Budapest, Hungary. He has secured the degree of Doctor of Laws and Doctor of Philosophy from the University in Hungary and some of you who were bom in Hungary realize and know the importance of such an attainment. He has been in the United States some four years. He is adapting and accommodating himself to the laws as they change or are different from the laws of Hungary. He has been recognized by a most substantial organization in Pennsylvania, the WILLIAM PENN FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION, for whom he works, and it is a pleasure for me to recognize Dr. BELA VOLENSKY who will express on behalf of each of you the feeling that you have as new citizens.” Dr. BELA VOLENSKY’s address: “Your Honor, Guests, and New Citizens of the United States of America: A special honor has been bestowed upon me today, that of expressing your gratitude and mine for the privilege of having become citizens of these United States of Americp,. History teaches us that during the era of the Roman Empire, the most highly respected citizens of the Empire were those who could proudly say, “Civis Romanus sum”, I am a citizen of the Roman Empire. How much greater then is the honor for us gathered here today when the world's most powerful nation has (Continued on page 2) THEY DESERVE IT The picture above represents the scene of handing over the prizes to two winners of our membership contest “A Million in May”; Frank J. WUKOVITS, Supervisor of Field, IV (at the extreme right of the picture) hands over a check of $100.00, the first prize to District Manager Ernest C. TAYLOR, of Branch 15-V, Chicago, 111.; (in the center), and a check of $50.00, the second prize to District Manager PETER PETRUSKA (at the left), Manager of Branch 276-V, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. AN EXAMPLE TO BE IMITATED We would like to point out an outstanding example of fraternal feeling to the Hungarian members of our branches. People who care for our distressed refugee Hungarian brethren, are well aware of the fraternal helping hand extended to them both in the past and still at the present time, by the Coordinated Hungarian Relief, Inc. In order to facilitate the continuance of that successful work, we, American Hungarians have to provide for the necessary means. Of course, we have also to secure the cooperation of our American brethren who are willing to listen to the call. A large number of our branches, of our members, touched by our entreaties and stirred by the events of last October, contributed a substantial share in most of the cases. Unfortunately, the spirit of our relief action was slackening within the last few months. All our requests, entreaties, admonitions were of no avail. Under such conditions, we have to point out as an example the fact to be imitated that our Branch 424-V of Tarrytown, N.Y. held a dance and entertainment for the benefit of the Relief Action, on the first of June and presented its total income, that is $270.00, to the Central Office of the Coordinated Hungarian Relief in Washington, D.C., for the relief of our suffering Hungarian brethren. The president of Branch 424-V is ALEXANDER IVAN, Sr., its Branch Manager WILLIAM RAKACZKY and together with them all members of the branch performed a successful and praiseworthy work and deserve áll praises. Might not other branches of our Association imitate their example? The successful continuance of the activities of the Coordinated Hungarian Relief, Inc. is possible only this way. HELP US TO HELP OTHERS!
