[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 39 (Tuesday, March 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E493]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE 163RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1848-1849 HUNGARIAN REVOLUTION

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 15, 2011

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 163rd 
Anniversary of the 1848-1849 Hungarian Revolution and the valiant 
contribution of the Hungarian people to those efforts. The European 
revolutions of 1848-1849, known as the ``Spring of Nations,'' will 
always remind us that independence, self-rule, and democracy can never 
be permanently extinguished in any society.
  The year 1848 marked a momentous occasion for the nations of Europe. 
All across the continent, oppressed people rose up to attempt to secure 
their liberty and freedom. The people of Hungary followed suit and 
attempted to overthrow the oppressors in the Habsburg monarchy.
  March 15th marked the day that the Hungarians made their stand. They 
marched, collectively as Hungarians, to demand their rights. In 
solidarity, they marched and demonstrated until their ruling governors 
had no choice, but to relinquish to them their freedom and liberty.
  Today, we see Hungary as a regional success story for democracy and 
civil society. This eventual, if delayed, victory shows us that though 
the road to democracy is not always an easy one, the spirit of people 
will ultimately prevail in the determined march toward democracy.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honoring the values of 
freedom, independence, and democracy that the Hungarians demanded in 
1848. The Hungarian Revolution of 1848 stands as a reminder and 
inspiration of the undying desire of any society to be free and 
independent.

                          ____________________