Fraternity-Testvériség, 1966 (44. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1966-03-01 / 3. szám

4

FRATERNITY

MR. PROXMIRE

Mr. President, today marks the anniversary of the Hungarian people’s struggle for independence from Hapsburg domination. One hundred and eighteen years ago, on March 15, 1848, a group of young Hungarians met in Budapest to draft their uncompromising declaration on individual liberty and national sovereignty.

To the casual observer, not well versed in history, this anniversary might seem insignificant today. But that declaration had no less significance that the words of Webster and Calhoun, spoken in this Chamber 118 years ago.

For nearly 100 years the Hungarian people steadfastly maintained their independence. Then, in the face of an apathetic world, Hungary was sacrificed to communist domination. For 10 years the Hungarian people silently resisted communist oppression. Then, on that wonderful day of October 23, 1956, a freedom loving people, heirs to the first constitutional government ever created on the European Continent, rose in arms against tyranny. The events of March 15, 1848, were repeated.

Mr. President, the ideals of the Hungarian people are identical with ours. And this is why I am taking this opportunity, the Hungarian national holiday of independence, to express my support of Senate Joint Resolution 119, authorizing the Hungarian Freedom Fighters’ Federation to erect a memoriral in Washington, D. C., in honor of those brave people who died during the 1956 revolution for the ideals of the West.

MR. JAVÍTS

Mr. President, today I wish to commemorate the Hungarian revolutions of 1848 and of 1956. Both of these uprisings for freedom and independence were brutally suppressed; both still stand, nevertheless, as symbols of the Hungarian spirit and quest.

The first revolution against Hapsburg rule, led by the Hungarian patriot Louis Kossuth, was crushed, but recognizing the deep sense of freedom which motivated the Hungarians, the Austrian monarchy deemed it wise to establish Hungarian action. The Hungarian people were not so fortunate in 1956. Soviet tanks reimposed communist rule in Hungary, killing many and causing over 200,000 to flee their native land. The fact that Russia had to bring her armies back into Hungary in order to bolster a totally unwanted communist government is testimony to the determination and courage of the Hungarians who fought for their freedom and independence.

The revolution of 1956, although unsuccessful, did irreparable damage to the Soviet cause. The bloody suppression led to a widespread revulsion against Soviet communist domination and a disillusionment with communism. The revolt also smashed the myth of the invincibility of communist totalitarian systems, by demonstrating the elemental truth that an aroused people has strength well beyond their numbers and means.

There is pending now before the Senate a resolution to erect a memorial statue to the Freedom Fighters of the 1956 Revolution. I support this resolution and believe that such a memorial would serve as a constant reminder of how really important and meaningful are freedom and independence.