Relations with the US at the Center of Washington Celebrations

The ties between Hungary and the United States are not based on historical events alone, but are shaped by the Hungarian-Americans who enrich the cultural, economic and political fabric of the United States, said Tibor Tóth, State Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, at a ceremony at the Embassy of Hungary in Washington DC to mark the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.

“In our bilateral relations, we are working closely together to address global challenges, from security and defense cooperation to innovation and trade, and we remain united in defending democracy,” the politician explained.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Szabolcs Takács stressed that the struggle of October 1956 was not just a revolution, but a struggle for freedom.

Hungarians cannot distance themselves from 1956 because it is part of who we are,”

he emphasized. Mr. Takács noted that Hungary believes in strong alliances based on strong and sovereign nation states, adding that it is in the country’s interest to have a strong United States that contributes to global stability.

The Ambassador recalled that Hungary is currently holding the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union and outlined the priorities of the six-month term, border protection, the intention to strengthen European competitiveness and to address demographic challenges.

Diego Morales, Secretary of State of Indiana, in his ceremonial speech, thanked the Hungarians for investing in the Midwestern state, to whose life they contribute through their culture and customs. He underlined that since taking office in 2023,

he has made it a priority to further strengthen economic, cultural and scientific ties between Indiana and Hungary.

The event was attended by Sonata Coulter, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State overseeing policy toward Russia and Central Europe, as well as foreign diplomats and members of the Hungarian community working in Washington.

On the occasion of the national holiday, Catherine Papin Lamont, Founder Director of the Washington-based Tisza Ensemble, a US dance company based in Washington since 1982, was presented with the Gold Cross of Merit of Hungary.

Congratulations to Ms. Catherine Papin Lamont, Founder Director of the Washington-based Tisza Dance Ensemble for receiving the Gold Cross of Merit of Hungary which was awarded to her by the @DrTamasSulyok, President of Hungary. pic.twitter.com/ZwVSlH99E1

— Szabolcs Takács (@_SzabolcsTakacs) October 24, 2024

The ceremony featured performances by Balázs Fülei on piano, Zoltán Mága on violin and members of the Angyalföldi Vadrózsa Ensemble. The Budapest folk dance troupe, consisting of almost 50 members, is on a five-stop tour of the United States, including Washington, Cleveland, Boston, New Brunswick and a sold-out performance in New York on Sunday. The choreography of the show, entitled “Legacy,” also commemorates the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.

Photo: Facebook/Embassy of Hungary in Washington DC

Fact

The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 (October 23 – November 4, 1956), also known as the Hungarian Uprising, was an attempted countrywide revolution against the government of the Hungarian People’s Republic (1949–1989) and the policies caused by the government’s subordination to the Soviet Union (USSR). The uprising lasted 12 days before being crushed by Soviet tanks and troops on November 4, 1956. Thousands were killed and wounded, and nearly a quarter-million Hungarians fled the country. The Republic of Hungary was proclaimed in 1989, on the 33rd anniversary of the revolution, and October 23 is now a Hungarian national holiday.

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