The Eighth Hungarian Tribe, 1982 (9. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1982-03-01 / 3. szám

March, 1982

THE EIGHTH TRIBE

Page 13

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR HARRISBURG

KOSSUTH DAY

HUNGARIAN INDEPENDENCE DAY MARCH 15, 1982

As a reminder to all people around the world that the struggle for freedom must never cease, we join with citizens of Hungarian descent in marking Kossuth Day and Hungarian Independence Day.

Lajos Kossuth has symbolized the spirit of independence to all Hungarians for the past 133 years. Under his brave 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 in tribute to the Hungarian love of liberty.

In 1852, Kossuth escaped to the United States where he was given sanctuary and a hero's welcome. He had the honor of being invited to address the United States Congress, an honor previously afforded to only one other foreign dignitary -- General Lafayette.

Although the freedom won by Kossuth and his followers was lost the following year, Hungary did not give up the struggle to free itself from the bonds of oppression. After World War I, Hungary became independent again, but at the expense of 60 per cent of its former territory. In World War II, the Hungarians once more lost their independence. Today, Hungary remains under the rule of the Soviet Union.

In recognition of Hungary's never-ending quest for liberty and the contributions of Hungarian-Americans to our state, I, Dick Thornburgh, Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, do hereby proclaim March 15, 1982 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 Lajos Kossuth.

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