Fraternity-Testvériség, 1995 (73. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
1995-04-01 / 2-3. szám
FRATERNITY Page 13 20th ANNUAL HUNGARIAN FESTIVAL in NEW BRUNSWICK, NEW JERSEY-^71ie 20th Annual Hungarian Festival sponsored by the Hungarian Civic Association of New Brunswick, New Jersey, was held on Saturday, June 3, 1995 under foreboding weather conditions. However, true to the spirit of the Hungarian people and the determination of its participants, the event was held to its conclusion with only the slightest trace of precipitation. The mid-morning festivities began with the formal opening of the Heritage Center’s latest exhibition: An historical exhibition of Hungarian Folk Art and Folk Costumes from the Collections of the Deri Museum and the Folk Art Group of the Biogal Pharmaceutical Works, both of Debrecen, Hungary. The featured speaker at the opening was Dr. Maria Vajda of the Deri Museum. The exhibit, entitled “From Clear Springs”, was visited during the day by thousands of people. Dr. Vajda also participated in the official opening ceremonies of the festival, bringing the greetings of Debrecen, which has been the Sister City of New Brunswick since 1990. Dr. Vajda also made a presentation to Mayor James M. Cahill of New Brunswick on behalf of the Deri Museum and Mayor József Hevessi of Debrecen. A Dedication Ceremony of new American and Hungarian Flags and Flag Poles to the American Hungarian Foundation and Heritage Center in memory of Priscilla B. Molnár, wife of Prof. August J. Molnár, followed the opening of the Exhibition. The Dedication Ceremony was held in the Center Court of the Heritage Center and was made possible through the combined efforts of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America and the William Penn Association. George Dózsa, President of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America, dedicated the Hungarian flag and Elmer E. Vargo, President of the William Penn Association, dedicated the American flag. After an acceptance speech by Professor Molnár, who was surrounded by his son John, his daughter-in-law Karen, and his grandchildren Jessica and Christopher, a final tribute was rendered by the playing of “Amazing Grace.” Vice President of the HRFA László Lipoczky and HRFA Director Michael Pauli, Jr. conducted the raising of the Hungarian Flag to the strains of the Hungarian Himnusz. HRFA Directors Priscilla Hunyady and Albert St. Miklosy also attended the Dedication Ceremony. Others participating in the Dedication Ceremony were Rt. Rev. Francis Vitéz, Bishop, John Calvin Magyar Reformed Church of Perth Amboy, who gave the invocation in English and Hungarian respectively; Rev. Barnabas Roczey, Pastor of the Magyar Reformed Church in New Brunswick; Rev. Matthew Kiss, Pastor of St. Ladislaus Roman Catholic Church; Rev. Albert W. Kovács, Pastor of the Hungarian Reformed Church of Woodbridge, and George S. Charles, Jr., National Vice President/ Secretary of the William Penn Association. Joseph P. Arvay, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the William Penn Association, hosted the Dedication Ceremony. At the conclusion of the program, the assembly formed in front of the Heritage Center and marched up Somerset Street to the ringing of all the Hungarian Church bells. The march ended in front of the Magyar Reformed Church where the opening ceremony of the Festival was conducted at 12 noon. This year the Festival was a salute to the Magyar Reformed Church of New Brunswick, celebrating its 80th Anniversary, and to the American Hungarian Foundation, celebrating its 40th anniversary. As we made our way back to our booth in front of the Heritage Center, the scent of fresh cooked Hungarian foods, prepared and served by members of the participating churches and organizations, permeated the air, and everyone seemed to be in a festive mood. In addition to distributing literature about our insurance programs and selling raffle tickets and cook books, we also exhibited varied books and pamphlets dealing with our Hungarian origin and culture. Beautiful embroidered items sent by
