Fraternity-Testvériség, 1957 (35. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1957-10-01 / 10. szám
2 FRATERNITY HUNGARIAN MEMORIAL DAY IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL By László L. Eszenyi Originally, October 6, as a Hungarian national holiday, was dedicated to the memory of the thirteen martyr-generals of the 1848-49 war of freedom, who were executed at Arad. Recently, an idea was developed in the emigration that the meaning of October 6 should be broadened by celebrating it as a Hungarian Memorial Day on which Hungarians all over the world may pay their tribute of respect to the heroes and martyrs of all the freedom wars and revolutions so numerous in our history. This idea was adopted by the officers of the Federation when they invited Hungarians of Washington and vicinity to the Capitol Hill Presbyterian Church to participate in “Memorial Day” services to be held “in memory of the martyrs of Hungarian Freedom”. Despite the tempestuous weather, an amazing large number of people gathered into the artistically redecorated modern church. Beside our dear guests from Bridgeport, Connecticut, we saw Washington Hungarians representing every faith. While Miss Ethel Egry excellently interpreted an organ prelude, the members of the guest choir walked in the nave with all solemnity followed by the six ministers. After the invocation, Rev. Louis Hutton, the pastor of the church, read the scripture and in his brief greetings kindly referred to his Hungarian relationship; namely, his wife is the daughter of Rev. Alexander Daroczy, our beloved director of the Bethlen Home. Rev. Stephen Sziarto prayed then, in the English and Hungarian languages, asking mercy from the Almighty for our enslaved people. The English sermon was preached by Rev. Emil Nagy, pastor of the First Hungarian Reformed Church in Bridgeport, Conn. His deep philosophical meditation about the “Hungarian soul” has shown a thorough knowledge of typical Hungarian sins and virtues. He dug out such hidden characteristics of our soul which could be known only to someone who is not merely a descendant of our people but also is very fond of it. The touching accords of the ancient 90th Psalm (Te Benned biztunk) connected the English sermon with the Hungarian part. Rev. Michael Hőgye of Washington, D. C., lifted the hearts to the Lord through a deep-felt prayer. The Hungarian sermon of Rev. Joseph Kecskemethy, Secretary of the Federation, gave rich food to our thoughts. Talking about the proper way of celebrations in these trying days, he recommended effective action rather than quickly fading phrases. In his closing prayer, Rt. Rev. George E. K. Borshy, President of the Federation, appealed for grace to lessen the misery of our countrymen. After benediction, the congregation sang the Hungarian national anthem.
