1956

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News in Brief

Hungary marks 1956 anniversary

Hungary’s national flag was hoisted and then lowered to half-mast with military honours in front of Parliament on Wednesday to mark the anniversary of November 4, 1956.

News in Brief

Hungarians mark 1956 uprising

The national flag was hoisted with military honors in a ceremony in front of Parliament at 9 am this morning.

Blog

Speaker Kövér: Sins become complete once they are forgotten

Speaking at the re-inauguration ceremony of the “Martyrs of the Nation” Memorial in downtown Budapest, Speaker of Parliament László Kövér remembered the victims of the communist rule of the 1918-1919...

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No, the Hungarian refugees of 1956 are not the same as today’s migrants

It was a Tuesday, that October 23rd in 1956. The whole thing began as a peaceful, student demonstration, young people with a manifesto asserting the right to be independent from all foreign powers and that all Hungarians should enjoy the rights of free people in a democratic system. The crowds grew as the demonstrations moved throughout the city. By nightfall, State Security Police had fired on a crowd of unarmed demonstrators outside the state radio building, killing many.

Oct 11, 2016 - Zoltán Kovács
Blog

Stand Up for the Freedom Fighters

Some have wondered when that fateful turn began, that moment that marked “the beginning of the end of the Soviet Empire.” For those of us who endured Soviet oppression behind the Iron Curtain, it came in 1956, brought about by a scrappy pack of kids, many of whom paid the ultimate price for their courage.

Sep 13, 2016 - Zoltán Kovács
Blog

Remembering the 1956 Revolution

Romanced by today’s creative, fun-loving Budapest, it’s easy to forget that it wasn’t always so. For a dozen days in late October and early November 1956, Hungarians fought to liberate themselves from the yoke of communist oppression. Everyday people from all walks of life suddenly became freedom fighters. Spurred on by indefatigable traditions of independence and self-determination, the people revolted and nearly won.

Jun 14, 2016 - Zoltán Kovács
Blog

“New heroes are born where they are not forgotten”

Hungary will mark the 60th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution this autumn. Events are already underway across the country to honor those who courageously rose up against communist tyranny during those fateful days that began October 23, 1956.

May 13, 2016 - Zoltán Kovács