Fraternity-Testvériség, 1979 (57. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1979-07-01 / 3. szám
dated June 13, 1777. The letter was an appeal for an opportunity to assist the cause of freedom by utilizing his expertise as hussar for the betterment of the Colonial Army. The letter was written in perfect Latin, lending credence to the claim that Kovats was indeed a nobleman. From the standpoint of his native land, of course, he had proved well many times over that he was of noble character. That was especially true when he built an international reputation as a fighting member of the First Prussian Hussar regiment during the Austrian War of Succession. Colonel Kovats became a distinguished drill master of American cavalry after he came to this country. He served for two years under the direct command of Gen. George Washington before becoming cavalry commander in the famous Pulaski Legion. With that Legion on May 11, 1779, he led a gallant charge against the British lines resulting in the withdrawal of the enemy, cheering local leaders, and gaining an additional year of liberty for Charleston. At the age of 55, he was killed in that charge and buried where he fell. The Citadel’s particular interest in Colonel Kovats was based on proximity. Notwithstanding his heroic accomplishments, he probably would not have been recognized at The Citadel had he not fallen to his death at the hands of the British very near the present campus of The Citadel. This Hungarian American accurately evaluated the nature of freedom, how it was won, and how it is preserved. Because of his insight into the value of force in securing and maintaining freedom, because of his eloquence in phrasing his ideals, and because he made the supreme sacrifice for the cause of America, we named a field in his honor on The Citadel campus. On May 27, 1955, while I was president of The Citadel, the American Hungarian Federation presented the college a bronze plaque commemorating the heroism of Colonel Kovats. This plaque was placed in a temporary location until November of that year when a new drill and sports area was acquired. I felt the field was in an eminently appropriate location for the plaque, because it was in the general vicinity of where Colonel Kovats died fighting for American freedom. 1 felt the name Kovats Field would be a fitting reminder to posterity of his valor, and that it would be a daily inspiration to cadets in whom we seek to instill the same ideals of love of God and country Portrait of Kovats-. by Sándor Bodó which impelled this Hungarian cavalryman to aid us in the Revolution. Thousands of Citadel men have since marched, drilled, and exercised on Kovats Field and observed the bronze equestrian figure on the monument which marks the area’s entrance. On the occasion of the two hundredth anniversary of the death of Colonel Kovats, I was comforted by the fact that his memory is perpetuated on The Citadel campus in a way that will inspire future generations of cadets to emulate his example. Let us hope that they will constantly strive to achieve the levels of leadership and heroism he so convincingly achieved. FRATERNITY Official Organ of The Hungarian Reformed Fed. of America Edited by Officers of the Federation Published quarterly — four times a year. Subscription for non-members in U.S.A. and Canada |2, elsewhere $3 a year. Office of Publication: Bethlen Press, Inc.. Ligonier, Pa. 15658 POSTMASTER:—Send Form 3579 to Editorial Office: P. O. Box 34917, Washington, D. C. 20034. Telephone: (301) 770-1144. Editorial Committee: Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor— Rt. Rev. Arpad George, President Associate Editors— László L. Eszenyi, Executive Vice-President, Elmer E. Vargo, Secretary, Joseph S. Molnár, Treasurer. Second Class Postage Paid at the Post Office in Ligonier. Pa. 15658.
