Calvin Synod Herald, 2006 (107. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2006-03-01 / 3-4. szám
8 CALVIN SYNOD HERALD As I remember October 23, 1956 i had just turned 18 years old when Hungary, the country I dearly loved, exploded in revolution against their oppressor the Soviet Union and the blood-thirsty communist secret police the AVO. I was awakened by my mother and told that a large demonstration had taken place in Budapest fueled by students and workers. Later we heard that the students read a proclamation in front of General Bern’s statue. Some of the students were arrested, but the crowd demanded their release and then the secret police opened fire on the demonstrators. At this point the whole demonstration turned into a riot and fighting broke out. Soon soldiers in uniform began to join the crowds. It was later that evening that truck after truck began rolling through our small town, filled to capacity with coal miners, steel workers and farmers equipped with picks, crowbars and pitchforks. They were singing “Édesanyám Nádfedeles Háza” and they were headed to the capital to reinforce the demonstrating crowds. My immediate reaction was to join those brave workers, but the tears running down my mother’s face kept me from going. We stayed up all night, listening to the broadcasting. Early morning on the 24th of October, I headed into the city of Ózd. Later in the day, three gutless local secret police opened fire Hungarian Monument Erected in Lorain, Ohio to Honor Hungarian Freedom Fighters of 1848 and 1956 Revolutions In March, the Men’s Brotherhood of the Hungarian Reformed Church, Lorain, Ohio, plans to bring much more awareness to the Hungarian monument that has been erected in Oakwood Park. Under the able leadership of John Peters, the Hungarian Council of Lorain County took on this project to honor the fight for freedom by the Hungarian people. The monument only honors the brave Hungarians who fought in the 1956 Revolution but also the Revolution of 1848, under the leadership of our national hero, Louis Kussoth. The Men’s Brother is also hoping to publish a small booklet in regard to the dedication of this monument and it’s reason for being there. They are requesting that members of their congregation donate articles and also pictures during the flight from Hungary, arriving in the states and Lorain for inclusion in this booklet. Julius (Juice) Pongracz Men ’s Brotherhood President Hungarian Reformed Church Lorain, Ohio on a crowd from a school building. But they were captured and hung by their feet in front of the “Nagy Kapu” (main entrance to the steel mill). That evening we assembled in front of the main entrance to the mill and demanded the security to open the gate, just when things started looking ugly someone raised the red, white and green flag at the gate, and at this point security opened the gate and joined the demonstration. That night the crowd cleared the mill of the known communist and also halted running of the mill indefinitely. Somewhat exhausted on the 25th, I headed back to my parents house. As I got off the bus, my brother was waiting and asked me to report to the town hall to join the local freedom fighters group. There I was given ten-minute instruction on handling a machine gun and was given an assignment as well as issued a gun. By October 28th, the fighting ended in most cities and looked as if the mighty red army had accepted the defeat. However, after re-grouping on November 4th, the capital again was under “Ruski Attack.” Fighting was reported in all parts of Hungary, and our freedom was short lived, but none of those who fell in 1956 gave their lives in vain. The world will always remember them as heroes, and it has finally come to pass that they are beginning to enjoy those freedoms for which they fought. The struggle for freedom in Hungary has continued to be a slow process. But those freedom fighters in 1956 began that process by giving their lives for this noble endeavor. God Bless their memory. Mr. Endre Csornán Third Avenue Calvin Reformed Church Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania Calling All ‘56ers! October 2006 will mark the 50th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. We would like to take this opportunity to include stories in the Calvin Synod Herald about this historic event - from those who were there and from those who learned about it from their parents or grandparents. If we receive enough stories, we would like include some in every issue of the Lapja throughout 2006. We are looking for: First-Person Accounts We need short stories/articles from anyone with eye-witness accounts of the 1956 Revolution, sharing their memories (in English or Hungarian) and photographs. Other Submissions For those who were not actually there during the Revolution, perhaps they would like to write about what their parents or grandparents or other family members have told them about it. Or they can share their feelings about the 1956 Revolution in poetry or maybe even submit some family photographs from Hungary during that time. Please share this request with your congregations and send all submissions to CSChurchNewsia aol.com. T
