William Penn Life, 1969 (4. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

1969-05-01 / 5. szám

WILLIAM PENN-ERS IN THE NEWS

Americanism Medal winner Michael Hegedűs Jr., looks over Jersey Blue Chapter, DAR, history book with Mrs. Frederick Griswold Jr., NJ. state DAR regent, left, Mrs. George B. Howell, Jersey Blue Chapter regent, and New Brunswick Mayor Patricia Sheehan.

DIRECTOR HEGEDŰS RECEIVES THE AMERICANISM AWARD FROM THE JERSEY BLUE CHAPTER OF D.A.R.

“The Jersey Blue Chapter is very proud and happy to present to you the Americanism medal, of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. (D.A.R.) ”

These words, spoken by Mrs. George L. Adams, chairman of the Americanism Award, greeted our own National Director, Michael Hegedűs of New Jersey at the seventy-fifth Anniversary Luncheon held at Neilson Dining Hall, on the campus of Douglass College, with more than 250 members and guests attending.

This award is given to an adult naturalized citizen who has shown outstanding ability in his community as an American citizen, and qualities of trustworthiness, service, leadership and patriotism.

Mr. Hegedűs’ parents came to this country in the early 1900’s, became naturalized, and from time to time, returned to their native country Hungary, where Mr. Hegedűs was born. He arrived on these shores in 1930 at the age of 14, and some years later chose to become a naturalized citizen, instead of claiming citizenship through his parents.

Mr. Hegedűs has established his own business in New Brunswick. He and Mrs. Hegedűs have two fine sons, John, who won the D.A.R. Good Citizenship Award in High School, is a graduate of Rutgers University and the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is a former member of the Secret Service and is now engaged in the publishing business. Michael at 17, is a senior at Rutgers Preparatory School. Among other organizations, Mr. Hegedűs is a member of Masonic Lodge No. 19, Free and Accepted Masons.

Mr. Hegedűs’ contributions to the community are many, and include the following: He has been president of the New Brunswick Branch of the William Penn Fraternal Association for the past ten years, and is now a National Director of the William Penn Fraternal Association.

He is president off “Golden 62,” — a group of Hungarian churches, in collaboration with the William Penn Fraternal Association, organized to build, a non sectarian, non profit apartment house, for retired and pensioned people in New Brunswick and vicinity, also chairman of the committee to build the Hungarian American Athletic Club in New Brunswick, and became the contractor without fee, when the original contractor defaulted. He found time to give assistance to the 1956 Freedom Fighters of Hungary finding homes and jobs for many. He was chairman of the 65th Anniversary celebration of the Bayard Street Presbyterian Church, also a member o*f the Study Committee of the New Brunswick Presbytery. Mr. Hegedűs took part in the New Jersey Tercentenary Celebration as chairman of the Hungarian section, and is a member of the Middlesex County Economic Opportunity Corporation.

Introducing Mr. Hegedűs, Mrs. Adams stated that no one can meet Mr. Hegedűs without becoming aware that he is an enthusiastic citizen and a patriotic American.

Mr. Hegedűs in accepting the award was visibly moved, and for a few moments could not speak. He explained, “ that for the first time in many years, I am at a loss for words, and that possibly the only response that might befit this wonderful occasion, is to confess that prior to this day, there were three very important events in my life, which I hold very dear to my heart. The first event

was my arrival in the country, the second event, was being sworn as a citizen of this wonderful country, the third, was my marriage to Barbara, my wife, and now I must add a fourth, receiving this award.”

With these words, Mr. Hegedűs concluded his remarks, to the accompaniment of a standing ovation.

Branch 98 Will Honor 50-Year Members at Annual Picnic

Branch 98 of Bethlehem, Pa. will sponsor its annual picnic on Sunday, June 29th, 1969 at Westport Grove, just off route 191 on Black River Road in Wyndnor, Pa.

We are also combining this affair with the honoring of our 50 year members, who are within the Bethlehem District Office Area.

With this in mind, we hereby invite all nearby Branches to attend this affair. The affair will be a typical Hungarian festival with the kitchen under the direction of our Ladies Auxiliary. They will feature the usual Hungarian goodies, home made sausage, töltött káposzta, etc.

The music will be furnished by John Toth and his Orchestra. The picnic will commence at 3:00 P.M. and conclude at 9:00 P.M. You do not have to make reservations, as tickets will be available at the picnic grounds. Donations are $2.00 for Men and $1.50 for Ladies. Children free.

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