“Hungary is the country of freedom; the Hungarian people are the people of freedom; 23 October 1956 is the day of freedom”, Minister of Defence Tibor Benkő said on Monday 21 October at an event in Budapest held to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and Fight for Freedom.
At the event organized by the World Federation of 1956 Hungarian Freedom Fighters at the Corvin Budapest Film Palace, the Minister said: “The Hungarian people have always yearned for peace and independence; this is why our ancestors shed their blood”.
“One must become acquainted with the country’s history to fully understand what these heroes did and what occurred in 1956”, he added. “This is precisely why the Hungarian Defence Force has launched the Patriotic and Homeland Defence Training Programme, so that today’s generations can also know what Hungarian freedom, the Hungarian homeland, commitment to one’s country, loving one’s country, and loyalty to one’s country are all about; what peace and security means, and what it means that our children and grandchildren can live in peace in the country and in the world”, the Minister emphasised.
“The young people of 1956 revolted against the Rákosi system, and the country too stood up against one of the world’s strongest powers. And although the country counted on the support of the West, it received only promises, nothing else”, Mr. Benkő pointed out. “Although the fight for freedom failed, its ideology has remained in existence throughout, and it is our duty to nurture our historical heritage”, the Minister highlighted. “Let us be proud of everyone who sacrificed their life and their blood for our homeland”, he stressed, adding that it is no accident that Hungary is still the homeland of the Hungarians today. “In addition to nurturing our traditions, we must also remember our true history and ensure that it is remembered. It is our duty to protect our values, our freedom and our culture, and this is why we must develop a strong and effective military”, he stated.
President of the World Federation of 1956 Hungarian Freedom Fighters Gábor Sántha pointed out that Corvin Square was soaked in blood during the time of the Revolution. According to researchers, 435 people died and over 800 were injured in the fighting at the location. The ideals for which the heroes of 1956 fought are today represented by the organisation he leads, he added. A speech was also given by Honorary President of the World Federation of 1956 Hungarian Freedom Fighters Zoltán Lomnici, who said the Revolution has nameless heroes who suffered for decades without anybody knowing about them. “The true heroes of 1956 must therefore be appreciated, and their memory must be honoured, because we have to a major extent them to thank for our current freedom”, he added.
At the event, Minister Tibor Benkő was presented with the organisation’s award, the golden 1956 Knight’s Cross for Loyalty to the Homeland. The event ended with a wreath laying ceremony.