The DFW Hungarian Community Remembers the 1956 Hungarian Revolution (2019/10/20)

The program opened with the Hungarian Mass in the Cistercian abbey. Then gathered at the newly relocated monument the Kopjafa, where they listened to Viceconsul in Houston, Mr. Gabor Markocsany’s solemn speech about the Hungarian revolution.  Then Eva Beluska, the (MMCC) Hungarian club’s president told the audience the story of the relocation. Because the old location in the sloping wet soil did not provide adequate support, and could not be approached from all sides, the club leaders for years tried to resolve the problem.

This being the only 1956 monument in Texas, could not be left neglected. After several applications for support, finally in 2019 the Hungarian Embassy awarded a generous amount from a program to restore or maintain Hungarian monuments in existence in the Diaspora, established by the Hungarian Government.

The cost of the relocation turned out to be much more expensive than the grant received! The MMCC and Abbott Peter Verhalen, agreed to cover the difference. He also made sure to have the project completed by the October 20th commemoration. As a result of the joint effort the monument is proudly standing in its new place, prettier than ever before, where it belongs, enhancing the ambiance of the beautiful space in frontof the Cistercian Abbey. Now, anyone can walk around it to find their family’s nameplates and wreaths can be laid without the danger of getting hurt in the process.

The MMCC president expressed gratitude to the Hungarian Government for supporting the restoration of Hungarian monuments in the Diaspora, to Ambassador Dr. Szabó László, for the generous amount given for this project, to Abbot Peter Verhalen for understanding the importance of this monument, and the generous contribution to the relocation project and to Fr. Julius Leloczky for the advice and for being the link between the Abbey and the MMCC. She also expressed hope that the future generations will remember the 1956 Hungarian revolution and will admire and take care of the cherished monument by so many Texan Hungarians!

As sign of respect, two local 56-ers laid a wreath, and the crowd sang the Hungarian nation anthem. The commemoration continued in the school’s cafeteria where after singing the American and the
Szekely Anthems a series of poetry reciting’s and beautiful music followed. Peter Vali read Albert Camus’ letter: The Blood of The Hungarians. Eight year old Emily Branham sang Brody Janos’s song: If I’d Be a Rose. Eszter Lestyak Smith read Aranyosi Ervin’s poem:  October 23 (1956 remembered)
Between the poems Gabor and Krisz Simonfalvi played variations by Hungarian  composers Bartok and Kodaly.
Edina Balogh-Peterson (video) recited  Kenneth Klara’s poem: Mommy, Now I Go to Protest! When 10 years old Kornel Kalman (vid..3eo) recited Ferenc Szentkúti’s poem: A Heroic Poem About a Lad from Pest, the audience was fighting the tears in their eyes, but Gabor and Krisz finished the program with lively and uplifting music.

Father Julius Leloczky’s blessing and his thoughts about the fall of the communism in Hungary, made everyone feel blessed for living in freedom, for what the 56-ers fought and many gave their lives!