Verhovayak Lapja, 1945 (28. évfolyam, 1-52. szám)
1945 / Verhovay Journal
June 27, 1945 Page 3 Verhovay Journal VERHOVAY SPORTSMEN of BRANCH 164 ----- CHICAGO, ILLINOIS ------Ah, yes! The sentimental month of June brings forth our quota of brides. Before the months was more than a few hours old, June 2nd to be exact, Staff-Sergeant Julius Jones and Jean Schuler were married in St. Vincent’s Church. Their old romance budded into a happy honeymoon and for myself, as Well as Branch 164, I want to Wish the newly weds all the happiness and the best of luck in all the years to come. “Little Stevie” could not wait until June to make Louise White, Mrs. Steve Risko. He carried her off to Wisconsin Rapids, ,Wisc., on May 26th to be his bride. May I extend my heartiest congratulations to Mr. and* Mrs. Steve Risko. , Yes, it’s Mr. Steve Risko now. Does that sound strange to you? It does to me, although I’ve never stopped sailing him “Little Stevie” even when he held the title of Staff Sergeant. , Although Stevie was too modest to talk about his decorations, his sister (little) Mary (Risko) Gilfoy, came through with some Welcomed information. (Thanks, Mary). For his 57 missions, Stevie received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters. The ribbons he earned signify the American Theatre of Operation, the European Theatre of Operation with four battlte stars, the Purple Heart and he also received the Good Conduct Medal four times in 3/z years of Service for a total of 152 points. Branch 164 is proud of you and we’re more than happy to welcome back, our own “Little Stevie” Risko and his new Wife. v ift( With all his time in Service ’(without a furlough) Marvin Kunstadt should be a civilian pretty soon. Nothing is certain in the Army but Marv writes, “The way things stand, I do believe In from 3 to 6 months (closer to 3, I hope), and I will be a civiliSn again — Golly! I can hardly wait to get home.” Say, Marv, your folks and friends are all anxious to see you again. Especially so is one certain “Irmie”. Lt. T. Feifar has high respect for a Chicago M. P. but it’s not the Military Police I’m referring to now but a certain young lady named Mary P . . . Frank Feifar arrived home from the Pacific via San Francisco. The hard fighting Sergeant is entitled to a long rest after a dozen battles against the Japs. Marine P.F.C. John Nagy spent his 30-day furlough resting at the family homestead. The furlough Was all too short and Frank has returned to his eastern camp for reassignment. Cpl. James Kolozy is a Crew Chief with the Army Air Force and is still in Ogden, Utah while Cpl. Edward Kolozy writes that all is well with him now that the war has ended in Germany. Andy Vash AM 2/c (our dry land sailor) has left his Air Base in California and has embarked for Sea Duty. Cpl. Kenneth Kovack left Chicago after his furlough and reported to a Replacement Camp in Laredo, Texas. He says, “I’m only five miles from the Mexican border and hope to visit that country soon.” Cpl. Robert Papp, young in age, but with over three years service in England, the African Campaign, Italy and France, jumped from Europe to British Guinea. No furlough for this boy either. To date, as far as I know, my darling Tony, is still in Austria with no furlough in sight. I’m not to be surprised if my next letter from him comes from the C.B.I. News of this kind is disappointing but this is war and we must wait. To the Wojtas, Barnak and Molnár families, I extend the deepest sympathy from Branch 164. Sailor Albert Barnak went down with his ship. A telegram from the Naval Department notified his mother May His Soul Rest In Peace. * * * This is positively the last call for all would-be subscibers for a portion of our Jubillee Book. Although there will be 42 pictures in this grand book and financially it is nearing the $700 mark, there is still room for you, who have not, as yet, reserved your space. October 7th is the date of the Jubillee affair. Keep that date open and I assure you it will be a day to remember. * * * Welcome and Congratulations to Branches 524 and 525 in Los Angeles, California. Branch 164 has given them a good start by transferring several Senior and Juvenile members. We expect great things from away out west. * * * The Whiting, Indiana Branch will hold Memorial Services for it’s Hero Dead on July 22nd. Whiting is just a short bus ride from Chicago so how about planning to jgb there in a, group to pay homage to those who fought and died so that we may live. The Independent Order of Hungarian-Americans, a local organizations, with 80% of it’s membership — Verhovayans, will celebrate it’s '25th Anniversary on June 23rd. William Feifar Jr., our Chairman of Entertainment, and Mrs. Elizabeth Csonka, our lady vice-president, will officially represent Branch 164. * * * Among our new members, I take great pleasure in welcoming two young ladies who were born in May. Baby Arkus is a new name on our Juvenile list but her brother has been a member for the past two years. Theresa Stefely was once a member of our Juvenile order and now her daughter, Miss Benedik, has taken that place. We welcome the two young ladies and we are sure that they will take an active part in Verhovay in the years to come. I also wish to welcome Joseph Gerhardt as a member. He is well-known as he is an oldtimer in our American-Hungarian circles and is the manager of the Decorators’ Supply and Paint Company in Chicago. PRESIDENT TRUMAN A FRATERNALIST We wish that the following article, which appeared in the May issue of the “Fraternal Age”, would catch the attention of all who talk disparagingly of “societies” and belittle the value of fraternal Associations. We believe that every fraternalists will be proud of his membership in a fraternal association when reading that the President of the United States, Harry S. Truman, is a fraternalist himself. In fact, he not only is a member but he even held office in his hometown, a fact, of which he is not ashamed .Perhaps this fact will awaken some people and help them to understand that fraternalism is not an anachronism, a thing of the past which has no place in our advanced and modern age, but an ageless principle which will live as long as humanity. The singificant report follows: “Most encouraging in its relation to the future of the government of the United States is the news that President Harry S. Truman is a member of fraternal benefit societies. He joined when a young man; his certificates are still in force. He held offices in the subordinate camp or lodge in his home town and often was presiding officer at ceremonies for the admission of new members. That information sounds like Harry S. Truman is a real American and understands because of actual experience the needs and higher ideals of the common people. The United States is a nation of common people. They made it a great nation. That the new President is one of them means as much to the future of this country as winning the war, for the nation has been drifting away from American ways for a number of years. Now it may come back. Let us look at some of the reasons a man about 30 years of age, living in a Missouri small town, endeavoring to make his own way, would join a fraternal benefit society. First, he probably was conscious that some of his friends and neighbors were members. Second, the protection for his family appealed to such a man as necessary in life’s game of standing on his own feet. And, after induction, he discovered that the ritualistic lessons were based on God and Home and Country. He learned that the outlook of fraternalists was based on the Golden Rule. The purpose of a fraternal benefit lodge was to aid the fellow man without injury to anyone. Neighbor Truman evidently liked those teachings and practices , because he became active in the work. There can be no better formula for guiding a nation than the precepts of the fraternal benefit lodge. Keeping faith, expecting that the fellow man will keep faith, encouraging people to have self respect and aid themselves, with a fair deal for all, are practices needed in this country today. On that basis a man may be President of all the people.” THE HOMECOMING OF PVT. FRANK GYOVAI Pfc. JULIUS J. KOVÁCS a member of Branch 417, Trenton, N. J., was a contest winner in 1938 and enjoyed a trip to Hungary during that. year. His home is at 111 Hancock Street, Trenton, N. J., where his mother, Mrs. Julia Kovács anxiously awaits his return. Pfc.' Kovács is 35 years old, he is a veteran of the European invasion and holds the Purple Heart. At present he is a member of a detachment assigned to guard prisoners of war. He entered service in September 1943, received his traning in Mississippi and went overseas with an infantry unit in April, 1944. He was wounded in action at Brest soon after the Allied invasion of France. Only a few words are necessary to remind you that the American-Hungarian Relief Movement needs your co-operation and help. Give and give generously to a worthy cause. My $100 War Bond Club for the 7th Drive really went over the top. Here are a few more names added to my roster. Albert Szoeke, Mrs. E. Meinert, M. Zavatkay, R. Zubor, Richard Klug and Joanne Klug have all bought $100 Bonds to join our gang. Let’s keep on buying Bonds as Bonds are our best investment and the only way to bring our boys home safe and soon. , , Just me, MARGARET STRANGRET, Publicity Agent. 1427 So. Sawyer Avenue, Chicago, 23, 111. — Whitesville, W. Va. — By now all our readers know of the great event for which the citizens of Whitesville, W. Va., are preparing under the able leadership of Louis Gall, manager of Branch 482, Red Dragon, W. Va. The guerilla hero of Luzon will soon return and Verhovayans of West Virginia as well as the citizens of Whitesville are plan-' ning a home-coming reception for him which will take place in the Whitesville School which he attended. Mr. Gall really went to work on the arrangements. In the last issue we reprinted some of the replies which he received on his invitations sent to notable personalities. Many more letters have since reached his desk. GOVERNOR CLARENCE W. MEADOWS, Charleston, W. Va., writes: “I will be happy to be present on this occasion if at all possible. . .” J eanne Dubendorf, Assistant Editor of the UNITED MINE WORKERS JOURNAL, writes: “Pvt. Frank Gyovai has indeed heroically served his country and is highly deserving of tribute. We appreciate your calling his deeds to our attention . . . When the full, factual story is available from him on his return, we should like to publish it in the Journal, which is the official organ of the U.M.W.A. Dr. TIBOR KEREKES, executive Secretary of the AMERICAN HUNGARIAN FEDERATION replies: “I feel greatly honored that you have asked me to partipiate in your homecoming celebration. I shall make it my special duty to be present . . .” But we attribute particular importance to the letter written by the Hon. BEN H. ASHWORTH, JUDGE, of the TENTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT, Beckley, W. Va. In this letter His Honor evaluates the services rendered by Pvt. Frank Gyovai in particular and by the foreign born citizenry in general. “DEAR SIR: I read with great interest your letter of April 5 with reference to Pvt. Frank Gyovai, and I will be much pleased to be present at this home-coming unless I am tied up in court, or in some other manner; and in that case I shall endeavor to designate someone to represent me at the home-coming I suppose you will notify me when the date is arranged. Pvt. Gyovai should certainly be treated with the honor which should be accorded to a heroic soldier of his record and accomplishments. It is certainly to the credit of our foreign born citizens of the United States that practically all of them have been entirely and generously loyal in doing their bit in the war effort, whether that part calls for service in the armed forces, or effort on the home front. This is especially gratifying in the case of citizens descended from immigrants from countries now at war with the United States. I know many fine American citizens of Hungarian descent. Not a one has shown the slightest disloyatty to our country. All have been enthusiastic in the support of our government. Yours very truly, BEN H. ASHWORTH.” The date of the celebration is still uncertain but btanchmanager Louis Gall reports that it will be known soon for to his best knowledge Pvt. Frank Gyovai is already on his way home. Supreme President John Bencze will attend the celebration and will present at that time the PQrtrait of the late James Gyovai to Mr. and Mrs. Steve Gyovai.
