The Eighth Tribe, 1981 (8. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1981-03-01 / 3. szám

HUNGARIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY PROCLAIMED IN PENNSYLVANIA—Gov. Dick Thornburgh proclaims March 15th as Hungarian Independence Day in Pennsylvania. Joining with the governor for ceremonies in Harrisburg were: Dr. Tibor Bodi of Philadelphia, Hungarian-American commissioner to the Governor's Heritage Affairs Commission (seated, 1.); Louis Skeparnias, executive director of the Heritage Commission (seated, r.) and (standing 1. to r.) Louis Szarka, president of the Hungarian Club of Philadelphia, Dr. Stephen Szabó, director of the Hungarian Federation; Alex J. Bodnar, representing Pittsburgh's Hungarian community and Steven Szilagyi, vice president of the William Penn Association. ____________________________________________________________________

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNORS OFFICE HARRISBURG

PROCLAMATION KOSSUTH DAY

HUNGARIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY MARCH 15, 1981

Lajos Kossuth has symbolized the spirit of independence to all Hungarians for the past 132 years. Under his courageous and dynamic leadership, the Hungarian people succeeded in winning their freedom from Austrian domination on March 15, 1849. The victory has continued to inspire the people of Hungary since that time, and Kossuth Day is celebrated annually by Hungarian-Americans as a reminder of the Hungarian love of liberty.

In 1852, Lajos Kossuth came to the United States and was given a hero's welcome. He had the honor of being invited to address the United States Congress, an honor previously enjoyed by only one other foreign dignitary—General Lafayette.

Although the independence won by Kossuth and his followers was lost the following year, Hungary did not give up the dream or the struggle for freedom. After World War I, Hungary was independent again, but at the expense of 60% of its former territory. In World War II, the Hungarians were defeated by the Germans and the Russians and once more lost their independence.

In recognition of Hungary's devotion to liberty, a devotion which is shared by all Americans, I, Dick Thornburgh, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim March 15, 1981 as KOSSUTH DAY and HUNGARIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY in the Commonwealth. I urge all Pennsylvanians to join with their Hungarian-American neighbors in commemorating the spirit of independence represented by the heroic actions of Lajos Kossuth.

GIVEN under my hand and the Seal Of the Governor, at the City of Harrisburg, this third day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand nine hundred and eighty-one, and of the Commonwealth the two hundred and fifth.