Magyar News, 1994. szeptember-1995. augusztus (5. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1995-07-01 / 11-12. szám

WHO ELSE BUT FOR MOTHER ON MOTHER'S DAY

The Sunday School at United Church of Christ on North Avenue in Bridgeport asked the children to write about their mothers. Then on Mother's Day during the church service they read it in front of the parishioners. Here we have one example of the many, written by Jill Bero.

It reads: “ My Mom is helpful, cheerful, and loving! She is a good cooker, careful and kind! She helps me to be a listener, playful, and she takes care of me when I am sick. She gives me hugs and kisses, she helps me with my homework and reads me books.”

And the sticker says, “Smile... God loves you.”

TO GRANDPA FOR FATHER'S DAY

In Wallingford the Rotary Club sponsored an Essay and Speaking Contest in May for 8th graders. Four schools, Holy Trinity, James Moran, Heritage Christian Academy and Dag Hammarskjöld—the host—participated. Thecommitteeselected 6-6 essays from each school for the finals that took place in May. Hundreds of people, students and grown-ups, filled the auditorium.

The winner of the essay contest was Jeremy DeLibero. You guessed it right, he is of Hungarian background. His grandfather is none other than Bert Kovács, whom we all know from the Hungarian events where he used to sing and also from an article in the Magyar News.

Jeremy also won a prize in the speaking contest. He was the only one among the contestants to talk about his grandfather. The audience was so taken by Jeremy’s performance that many had tears in their eyes.

So let us see what Jeremy wrote:

A TRIBUTE TO MY GRANDFATHER

There is a man I look up to, yet he is not

famous. A man who I love dearly, yet he is not my father. This man is my grandfather. He was born in Hungary and was right there when we invaded Normandy. He is gentle, caring, and a devoted Christian who brings joy to his community with his harmonious Hungarian songs. He is very proud both of his heritage, and of being an American citizen.

My grandfather is my roots. He was born in the small town of Szilice (see-litz-e), in 1920, of middle class farmers. His father immigrated to the United States before he was born and his mom died when he was just three years old. My grandfather had to work in his great grandmother's fields day in and day out. Although many hours were spent working the fields, they always made time for church.

We hear how tough it was in the old days; but my grandfather had it very tough. His father had been trying to bring him to this country for thirteen years. Finally, at age 16, he left his homeland on the boat, “Berengaria.” He arrived at Ellis Island on New year's 1937 full of curiosity, excitement, and apprehension. Not knowing his father, my grandfather had to carry a picture in order to recognize him.

So often I complain about cleaning my room or doing other chores around the house; but my grandfather had much harder work to do and never complained. He was happy to be with his family in America— the Land of Opportunity. Too proud to accept welfare, my grandfather chose to work on a dairy farm milking sixteen cows twice a day. For his work he earned $25.00 per month. He had to work long, hard hours for such a small compensation, while in

today's society, baseball players are not satisfied with millions.

In 1940, he decided to join the United States Army. Recruiters were surprised that he wanted to enlist without being called. He was assigned to the First Infantry Division and after two years of training was sent overseas. They fought against the best of the German army in Algeria and Sicily. After bloody battles and losses of comrades, victory was in our favor. On June 6, 1944, the soldiers of the First Infantry invaded Omaha Beach. My grandfather was lucky to survive because his landing ship had sunk. Being one of the few men left, he credited his survival to God having bigger plans for him. He received a silver star in Africa and a bronze star in Europe. Because of his experiences and hardships, history has been made real for me. He, as well as all the other brave soldiers, granted me freedom.

He was a strong soldier; however he has a sentimental side as well. My grandfather loves to sing, especially in thechurch choir. At one time he was a soloist in a band with whom he made a few records of Hungarian music and he performed many benefits in Hamden, Hartford and Bridgeport—doing such operettas as Madame Butterfly and Countess Marica.

My grandfather has been a positive influence in my life. His attitude and personality make me realize that what this world needs is more people like him—people who are proud of their heritage, people who appreciate their freedom and all that God has given to them. In a world of prejudice, hatred and injustice, it is comforting to know there is at least one decentman in this world—MY GRANDFATHER.

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