Magyar News, 2001. szeptember-2002. augusztus (12. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2002-04-01 / 8. szám
Dr. Edward Teller Honored With Revived Hungarian Corvin Medal Dr. Edward Teller, the world-famous physicist best known for his work in atomic and nuclear physics, was honored this week with the Hungarian Corvin Medal, bestowed by the Hungarian government for exceptional achievement in the arts and sciences. The award was presented in a private ceremony before a standing-room-only gathering at Teller's home at Stanford University. Delegates representing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and the Hungarian consulates in San Mateo and Los Angeles read the proclamation in Hungarian. They were obviously pleased as Teller, who was born in Budapest in 1908, responded in his mother tongue. In the ceremony's opening remarks, given in both languages, the diplomats explained that Prime Minister Orbán revived the Corvin Medal this year, after it was last awarded in 1930. "I am standing face to face with history," said Attila Varhegyi, one of the Hungarian delegates. "The name of Edward Teller is more than just a person, it a symbol for Hungary. Edward Teller is the most distinguished Hungarian living in the world today." Maria Schmidt, of the Hungarian delegation, said that the prime minister considers Teller's contributions toward ending the Cold War to be the primary force behind the fact that Hungary is again a free nation. One audience member said after the ceremony that as a child in Hungary, he knew the names of two famous Hungarians, the 19th century composer Franz Liszt and Edward Teller. The Hungarian delegates spoke of Teller's accomplishments not only as a scientist, but as a poet and pianist as well. "I am touched by the way he talks about the future of Hungary and often cites 1. The young Edward Teller. 2. Dr. Teller with Glenn Seaborg and President John F. Kennedy, 1962. 3. With President Lyndon Johnson in the White House, late 1960's. 4. Enjoying the medal. PhotoJon Bremeis Hungarian poetry to support his arguments," said Varhegyi. After the gleaming gold medal with his name engraved on the back was placed around his neck, Teller thanked Prime Minister Orbán, and also recognized his fellow Hungarian scientists and their contributions to modem science. Concluding the intimate ceremony, Teller humbly remarked, "What I have done was not easy to do, but I always did what I wanted. I thank you for this honor. I may not have deserved it, but I have certainly enjoyed it." Teller served as director of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory from 1958 - 1960. He currently holds the title of LLNL Director Emeritus and serves as a member of Stanford's Hoover Institution. Page 3 Dr. Teller holding the diploma, sitting with representatives of | the Hungarian government
