October 23, 2022 - Summary of the DFW Commemoration of the 1956 Revolution (2022/10/30)

The Holy Mass, which began at 3 p.m., was led by Father Julius with the help of an American father. The prayers were recited in Hungarian and the service ended with the singing of the Hungarian national anthem. The congregation then walked to the small 1956 monument in front of the church where they listened to the very short but touching supplication of Laszlo Varga which extolled the heroes of 56. Afterwards, a picture was taken while Mr. Varga placed a wreath on the monument.

The commemoration continued in the dining room. The singing of Hungarian and American national anthems, and the image of the symbolic 1956 revolution flag (with the cutout in the middle), stirred up emotions in some old-timers because they still carry the memories of those bloody days in their souls.

Following the opening speech, Ede Véssey read his poem "Early Autumn."  The reading definitely fit the season and occasion. The segment concluded with  a poignant, four-minute video in honor of the heroes of 1956.

Gyula Dargai shared a few words as he remembered his ’56-er relatives. Next was Elemer Engel, a fighter in the revolution. Shaken by the emotions of his memories, he shared some of his brave actions during those battles. We also paid tribute to our three Laszlo-s (Deák, Takács and Varga) as well as the late Abbot Dénes Farkasfalvy, who himself was among the protesting students.

Specifically, for this event, an image identification exhibition was compiled from the "Identification" of the "emblematic" images of 1956, The report of the 1956 Institute, Oral History Archive Department of the National Széchényi Library supplemented with English translations. On this “wall of honor,” we presented, by name, some of the fighters whose pictures we have seen over and over on magazine and book covers, or on billboards, but did not know their names or stories. Also included was death row inmate Maria Witner, who, after 13 years of imprisonment, was freed to live in her free homeland. She became a devoted activist against the communist spirit until her death (September 14, 2022).

Most of the books displayed in our small book fair, had the theme of the revolution. The sales income will be added to the 1956 memorial fund that was established earlier this year.

After Father Julius’ blessing, everyone headed to the home-made delicacies prepared by fellow guests. All enjoyed the food, other's company, and other's stories  while songs from 1956 filled the air.

 View photos here.

Thanks to all the participants and all those who attended!

Éva Beluska - President of MMCC