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Commemorating the 1956 Revolution

To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Hungary’s Revolution of 1956, the HCCS organized a remembrance event at the Rákóczi Villa.
The memorial celebration opened with the Hungarian national anthem and was followed by a short history of Hungarian immigration in 1956–7. The guests were offered snacks and refreshments served by volunteers, while toasting to the memory of the heroic event. During the programme, some poignant, volumes of poetry were quoted and personal memories reminded the audience of the emotional circumstances of the times. Our guests were not primarily the freedom fighters who took part in the uprising, but rather their families, including wives and children, who had the daunting task of having to adjust to new lives, often difficult and foreign to them. We attempted to establish a forum for their stories of adjustment and provided an opportunity to express the void that losing their culture, family, and friends necessitated. Altogether, some thirty invited guests, Board Members, and volunteers were in attendance, which proved ample, considering the size of the available room. All guests received a personal certificate which validated their unique experience. We wish to thank them for taking part in this special event. We also extend our warm appreciation to the directors of the Rákóczi Villa for providing the space for our use. Last, but certainly not least, we want to thank the volunteers for their time and tireless efforts, as well as the HCCS Board of Directors and Office Manager for organizing and financing this important event. To our guests, the original immigrants of 1956–7, we wish continued good health and a long and happy life. To them we extend our thanks for having forged a path for the present wave of immigrants and for establishing a name to be proud of for the Hungarian population in this multicultural society. We hope that they will continue to tell their stories to their children and grandchildren to preserve the ideals and memory of the revolution alive. Dr. Fiore Mester, Honorary President HCCS Board of Directors (article translated by Klára Szöcs)

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