Fraternity-Testvériség, 1991 (69. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1991-07-01 / 3-4. szám
FRATERNITY Page 13 The memorable part of the trip was attending the ceremonious opening of the Reformed Church World Wide Conference in Budapest. As I walked onto the ground floor of the stadium, thousands of Hungarians were surrounding me. People all over Hungary were dressed in beautiful costumes which identified the village in Hungary they came from. I remember singing the Hungarian Anthem and looking at the people and thinking to myself that I was very proud to be an American Hungarian. Traveling the countryside of Hungary and visiting relatives of my grandmother's will never be forgotten. It is hard to express what I experienced. I feel closer than ever to my Hungarian Heritage, a "bridge" that will never be broken." Charles Cseresznye Cherris from Princeton, New Jersey: "I was born in America, but I have been ever grateful to my parents for sending me to Hungarian school to learn the Hungarian language (Hungarian school attendance was on Saturdays and during the English school vacation). I first went to Hungary to attend the International Boy Scout Fourth World Jamboree held in Gödöllő, Hungary, in 1933. It was through the generosity of the Magyar Reformed Church, its people and the Rev. Dr. Charles Vince that my trip was made possible. Since 1984 I have visited Hungary several times. I also keep in touch with my relatives in the village of Taktakenéz located along the Tisza River. Since none of my relatives know English, I am happy that I am able to write to them in Hungarian. My poem reflects my feelings about "My Heritage" "Like many other Americans, my parents had come over from Europe. To give their children a better opportunity and reason to hope. I am a first American-Hungarian generation, to be more explicit. My ancestors who loved freedom, being of an ancient proud race. Often having felt the heel of the tyrant, but survived every case. That their music is either sad or very lively, should be no surprise. Many of you, whose parents came from many and far faraway lands. Let's dedicate to this great country, our mind, hearts and our hands. My parents made sure that the Hungarian language I learned With it a greater appreciation for life I surely have earned. Whenever I hear the anthem "God Bless the Hungarians" played or in song. I get the same patriotic feeling as from the "Star Spangled Banner" - I belong! After the first notes, at attention, I simply tingle from head to toe. I suspect that it is the blood of my ancient ancestors, I hope it is so. For those of you whose ancestors came from across the sea. And encounter the same inherent feelings as others like me. Don't do anything knowingly, to bring discredit to your parentage. Be a good American citizen and always be proud of your heritage." Charles Cseresznye Cherris Dedicated to Mary and Helen Seeman Charles Cseresznye Cherris was born Charles Cseresznye in Kingston, NY in 1911. He was born of Hungarian immigrants. The family was comprised of eight girls and four boys. The name Cseresznye was shortened to Cherris by teachers when they entered the public schools. Charles married Helen Skurka in Perth Amboy, NY in 1934. Charles joined the Boy Scouts in 1928 and after more than 60 years in scouting, has received the Eagle Badge and the Silver Beaver Award. For over 30 years he has welcomed Church groups, Boy and Girl Scouts to the Cherris Camping Reservation near Rocky Hills, NJ without charge for camping, rowing, etc. (I recall from the early years of my American experience that one of the highlights at each church banquet in Perth Amboy was when Cseresznye néni recited her own poems. It is evident that her son Charles inherited her talents and creativity in writing poems. We are thankful to have members of the Cherris family within the ranks of our fraternal society - Charles pays for the insurance premiums of his son and grandchildren. LB.)
