[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 49 (Thursday, March 16, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E621-E622]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE HUNGARIAN REVOLUTION

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                          HON. PHILIP M. CRANE

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 16, 1995
  Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, as a professor of history, I hope my 
colleagues will remember that today is the 147th anniversary of the 
Hungarian uprising against the Hapsburg Empire. While the uprising was 
relatively short-lived, a study of history shown that even unsuccessful 
revolutions can serve as important precursors to future reforms.
  It is important that we not forget or ignore the sacrifices of those 
who established the tradition of freedom and democracy in Hungary. 
Especially on this anniversary day, we should recognize those early 
revolutionaries and their descendants who sought liberty unsuccessfully 
in 1956 and who eventually won their freedom in 1989.
  I hope that my colleagues and all those who find freedom dear would 
read the following commemoration of this anniversary and remember those 
who made it possible.
  Commemoration of the 1848-49 Revolution and War of Independence in 
                                Hungary

       March 15 marks the anniversary of Hungary's Revolution and 
     War of Independence for freedom, liberty and self-
     determination.
       On this day 147 years ago, the people of Hungary, led by 
     reformers and young intellectuals, rose to demand freedom of 
     press, freedom of association, freedom of religion, 
     enforcement of human rights, and, first of all, independence 
     from the Hapsburg empire. The quest by the people of Hungary 
     and the War of Independence that followed, was, as so often 
     before and after in Hungarian history, subdued by foreign 
     intervention in August, 1849.
       The glorious Revolution that placed Hungary in the vanguard 
     of the revolutionary movement for political and economic 
     modernization which swept through Europe at that time, and 
     the fallen War of Independence set an example for the entire 
     world by a small nation. Hungary's effort proclaimed to 
     mankind the inherent and indefeasible right of every nation 
     to elect its own leaders and to establish its own laws. March 
     15, 1848 has never ceased to signify the torch of freedom, 
     independence and democratic endeavors for the people of 
     Hungary. The ideals and spirit of this historic effort have 
     been the guiding spirit of the eternal adherence by the 
     people of Hungary to independence and democracy throughout 
     the years of foreign occupation and communist dominance ever 
     since.
       The symbol and significance of Hungary's revolt for freedom 
     and liberty are eloquently emphasized by the fact that Lajos 
     Kossuth, one of history's most revered political leaders and 
     champion of liberty and justice, is one of the few foreign 
     political figures who is honored by a bust in the Capitol of 
     the United States. Kossuth and the noble aspirations of the 
     people of Hungary for freedom and independence gained 
     attention and sympathy from the American public. The liberal 
     and democratic principles so clearly proclaimed by the people 
     of Hungary during the Revolution and War of Independence of 
     1848-49 are shared by the community of democratic nations.
       Therefore it is only fitting to pay tribute to the 
     endeavors and sacrifice, to the bravery and love for 
     independence by the people of Hungary.
       Almost a century had to pass before the dreams and 
     aspirations of the Hungarian patriots of the 19th century led 
     the people of Hungary to the streets during the heroic 
     Revolution of 1956 in their desperate effort to gain freedom 
     from foreign occupation and independence. Hungary and its 
     freedom-loving people also deserve the admiration of the 
     entire world for their crucial contribution to bringing down 
     the Berlin Wall in 1989 by offering the gift of freedom for 
     East Germans. Freedom for Hungary and freedom for all, ``with 
     malice toward none, with charity for all''--this is what 
     Hungary has stood for, this is what Hungary is representing 
     even today.
       The people of Hungary face new challenges at present. These 
     challenges emerge from their newly gained political and 
     economic freedom the answers of which are sought by Hungary 
     under firmly established democratic political order and 
     policies aiming at the creation of a market economy and at 
     the prevalence of human rights.
       The United States of America has always been a devoted 
     supporter of the cause of Hungarian independence and freedom. 
     This 
     [[Page E622]] compels the United States to remain committed 
     and engaged in ensuring the fulfillment of the ideals of 
     Hungary's Revolution and War of Independence which started on 
     March 15, 1848 under the new international political 
     environment as their ideals, a democratic and free Hungary 
     and a Europe which is free, united and at peace, are also 
     shared by us all.
     

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