[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 120 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1537-E1538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     1100TH ANNIVERSARY OF HUNGARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN D. DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 5, 1996

  Mr. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join the State of Hungary 
and Hungarian-Americans everywhere in commemorating the 1100th 
anniversary of the settlement of the Hungarian people--1,100 years ago 
the ancestors of the Hungarian people settled in the Carpathian Basin.
  Before this time Hungarian ancestors roamed the area as a seminomadic 
people, but in 895-896 A.D. Magyar tribes passed through the Verecke 
pass in the Carpathian mountains and settled on the plains. The fertile 
land of the region helped the agrarian tribes to settle permanently in 
the Carpathian Basin. The Magyar system of social and political 
institutions served as a direct link to the foundation of the Christian 
Kingdom of Hungary.
  The Hungarian Apostolic Kingdom was established in 1001 A.D. by Saint 
Stephen, the

[[Page E1538]]

first King of Hungary and founder of the State. This monumentous event 
is celebrated by all Hungarians and those of Hungarian descent on the 
Hungarian National Holiday, Saint Stephen's Day, which occurs on August 
20. The coronation of Saint Stephen put Hungary firmly on the path of 
Western-type European development, which was defined Hungary's place on 
the continent up to the present day.
  In the many centuries of struggle for survival and advancement, 
cultural represented the decisive factor whose beginnings are rooted in 
a structure and political culture in harmony with the specific natural 
environment and social conditions prevailing in the Carpathian Basin. 
In fact, three major ecological regions--the Mediterranean, Atlantic, 
and Continental--come together in the basin. These factors demanded the 
need for great flexibility and capacity for adjustment. The early 
Hungarians were successful in adapting to meet the challenges of their 
age.
  During the early years of this century, large numbers of Hungarians 
migrated to the industrial centers of the American Midwest. Detroit, 
and especially its downriver communities, benefited dramatically by 
this influx of a people known for their honesty and work ethic. 
Hungarian immigrants played an integral part in the industrial growth 
of Michigan and the Nation. Yet, Hungarian immigrants were known for 
far more than just strong backs and willing spirits. The intellect and 
compassion of this community continues to capture the imagination of 
the Nation.
  More than 50,000 Hungarian-Americans remain in the Detroit metro 
area, with their positive influence still shinging brightest in Delray 
and Allen Park. It is to these friends, to all Americans of Hungarian 
descent, and to the honor of a nation whose turbulent past has produced 
such a delightful people, I offer these words from the Hungarian 
National Anthem:

     God, bless the Hungarian
     With Abundance, gladness,
     Graciously protect him when
     Faced with foes or sadness.
     Bring for people torn by fate
     Happy years and plenty:
     Sins of future, sins of late,
     Both are paid amply.

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