Verhovayak Lapja, 1943. július-december (26. évfolyam, 26-53. szám)

1943-08-26 / 35. szám

VOL. XXVI.

AUGUST 26, 1943

NO. 35,

SECTION TWO

ENGLISH EDITION

Magyar Day at Kennywood Park

Through Another's Eyes---------------------- By KATHRYN RAW ---------------------On Thursday, August 12, the United Magyar Civic Association of Penna., celebrated Magyar Day at Kennywood Park, Duquesne, Penna.

The afternoon was a bright sunshiny day. The crowd was not too large, but everyone seemed to enjoy every minute of the program which opened at 3 P. M. at the Music Pavilion W'th John P. Toth, secretary ot the U. M. C. A. acting as master of ceremonies. The first number was the national anthem sung by Mrs. Joseph Mikolics, With the audience joining in the chorus. Ignatius Lengyel, president of the UMCA, gave an address, Welcome, which was followed by the singing of Magyar songs by Frank Demes, Jr.

The Hon. James John Davis, U. S. Senator, was unable to be present.

Rev. Wolfgang Rettmann gave a fine speech. He said: "American citizens of Hungarian origin are undoubtedly in a tragic situation today. Hungary has declared war against the U. S., though we know that the

Hungarians have never felt enmity toward this country. Hungary could never forget what the U. S. did after the first world war and Hungarians have never fought against those principles the Americans are fighting for today. But since Hungary is at war with us, there is a certain amount of feeling among many Americans against Hungarians in general, as well as against Americans of Hungarian origin.

“We, who are sensitive to such feelings, suffer from that and do our best to live it down, Oui boys are fighting on every front, our men and women are working hard for Victory, all ol the Hungarians are giving and should be giving their blood abundantly, and we all are buying War Bonds above our ability.

“We do this because we are convinced that even when our boys are called upon to fight agamst the Hungarian army, they are not fighting against Hungary, but for Hungary. Because we know that there is no

liberty under the sun unless it is brought about by the victory of the Star Spangled Banner. And we know that the Victory of this flag will bring freedom to the oppressed people of Hungary. For this reason we know that when we fight for the Victory of America, we, at the same time, fight for the liberty of Hungary, also.”

Next on the program was a fine duette given by Joseph Molnár, III., and his sister, Miss Esther Molnár.

Dr. Louis Nanassy, director of the Orphans’ Home in Ligonier, Penna., said: “Today we are gathered here to celebrate Magyar Day — for in America we have the right to freedom. But in Hungary the Magyars speak in whispers of their old freedom and look toward America as their deliverer from the aggressive dictator. And when the United Allies bring the war to an end it will mean that Hungary also will share our peace. We pray that day be soon.”

Miss Gloria Tomka, accompanied by her mother, Mrs. A. Tomka, gave an excellent rendition of lovely Magyar songs.

Frank Szappanos, Jr., of the WMBS Hungarian Radio Hour sang well-known Magyar songs, which the audience received with much applause. His voice carried well the much-loved Hungarian lyrics.

The Representative of the Bond Selling Hungarian Committee spoke of the many ways in which Hungarian-Americans aie putting forth their every effort to make this a victorious end of the war for the Allied Nations.

Commander Lawrence Vodilla, U. S. N. McKeesport, Penna., gave a fine talk. He said: “This wai is not a war of any one nation, but of all the Allied Nations fighting for only one thing — the freedom of all peoples in all countries.”

The program was followed by a dance in the Hungarian dance pavilion with music by the Union gypsy orchestra, which had been selected by Frank Szappanos, Jr., Hungarian Radioannouncer. Dance-lovers enjoyed tbe music very much, as was evident by their participation in dancing, especially the famous csárdás, a serious of rhythmic movements and lively steps timed to the gay music.

Hungarian dishes were served in the pavilions on the picnic grounds. The cakes were delicious for they had been appeti zingly prepared.

The employees of the Verhovay Fraternal Insurance Association had a half-day holiday in order to permit them to attend the program of the United Magyar Civic Association.

It is so disgusting to see people make such perfect fools of themselves. At times it brightens me, for I wonder if I, too, look as foolish to others as they seem to me. Perhaps, I an. a misfit — a person who really doesn’t belong in any special click of human beings

— for I believe in tact, consideration, absolute honesty and even honor. But it is so strange that I can’t seem to find people with all these qualities — and which I think 1 possess. That’s what makes me wonder how 1 appear to others.

Do I appear as a staid prude affecting a display of modesty and propriety in opinion and conduct? If I appeal^ in this light to others, is it because they beheve I am not capable of the above qualities — or worse still

— that they think these qualities do not exist at all? Of what do people think — what makes up the dreams and visions of their brain and soul? — that is, ii they admit they have a soul. If they have no ideals what is the purpose of their existence?

— what the meaning of life and living?

if they have no ideals, which 1 sincerely believe they have not, judging from their outward behavior, toward what end are they striving? Why this rushing around like a race of mad human beings from morning till night and from night until morning without accomplishing anything? Their life is a round of parties from one dim-lit foulsmelling cocktail bar to another. Their idea of music is the noise thai comes out of a juke-box in some secluded tavern. The only form of art they admire is the

mural of the naked mermaid which some illiterate would-be artist painted over the bar ot the tap-room, when he was under the influence of liquor. They have no idea of the beauty in a line of poetry, prefering crude jokes.

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful experience if we could step outside ourselves and view us impartially, coldly and frankly? (Like others view us, and wa them). What would we see? All the petty, selfishness thai go to make their small egotistical selves!

I m horribly tired of everything and right now I don’t see how I am going to live through today. I long for tha peace and quiet of some place in the country where I could relax and enjoy the beauties of nature — and listen to her sweet music. Life was meant to be harmonious — for all things in the universe are related — yet there is discord. Apparently, human beings have forgotten their relationship, or they would not live exclusively for themselves as individuals. They ara too self-centered and selfish They can not see anything or anyone beyond their own littla narrow selves.

Why do they deny the existence of a God? It may be that they are ashamed to admit there is a Higher Being above themselves who is so perfect that their own imperfections are made mora noticeable. Sometimes, I really think that is the reason they recognize no Divine Creator because subconsciously they ara truly ashamed of their human

Wliat Is Spring?

What means spring to you and me?

To birds singing gayly in the trees?

To the frog who croaks his evening tune?

To barren trees that will be budding soon?

Does it mean green grass and budding deffodils?

Or is it the gay wind turning old Dutch mills?

Maybe it’s a marble game between the boys Or children in school who are listless and coy.

Think carefully a bit and you will see

That spring is a bit of perfection for you and me.

A thing God made so that young we will feel And our troubles for a while away shall steal.

. IDA LEBER,

12 years old, Peoria, 111.

A Cadet's Prayer

When I give my plane the “gun”,

And take off into the blue;

I put my life into Your hands,

Lord, I’m trusting in You.

When I’m high up in the clouds,

Above the earth and humanity;

I pray that You will guide me, Lord,

Safely back to land and reality.

Let me always feel Thy presence Beside me where’er I fly;

Let me ever trust in Thee,

T ord, the greatest Pilot on high.

—MARGARET “CHRIS” BARA, Br. 66, New Castle, Penna.

(Note. — Miss Bara wrote the above poem for a triend who is a lieutenant in the Air Corps.)

(Continued on Page 2.)

My Brother

I’ll never forget the day My only brother went away;

• To help bring nearer a victory,

To the lands across the sea.

I’ll never forget the tear in his eye,

The day he kissed us all good-bye;

I watched him leave at the station;

My eyes held a glow of admiration.

•

Though I know he is so far away; —

I’m sure he’ll be back again some day. Carrying the banner for Old Glory, Somewhere in the echo of victory.

EMMA JENE EVANS, age 14.

(Note: Emma Jene wrote the above poem for her girl friend Evelyn’s brother, who was recently inducted into the army.)