[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 92 (Friday, June 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HUNGARY CELEBRATING FREEDOM EVENTS AND THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF 
                        PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEVEN C. LaTOURETTE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2011

  Mr. LaTOURETTE. Mr. Speaker, I am congratulating Hungary on the 
series of events which pay tribute to the lasting idea of freedom and 
the principles of liberty. Hungry will erect a statue in commemoration 
of the centennial anniversary of President Ronald Reagan's birth. 
Hungary will honor President Reagan for his contribution toward ending 
the Cold War and promoting democracy and liberty in Central Europe. In 
addition, Hungary is hosting the Hungarian Freedom Dinner and 
establishing the Hungarian Freedom Award.
  I also note that Hungary formally and symbolically overcame the 
legacy of Communism by having recently passed a new Constitution, 
replacing its previous, temporary Constitution rooted in the Soviet 
era, to solidify the rule of law.
  In addition, I recognize Hungary as an important strategic partner of 
the U.S. in Europe, and commend the country for reaffirming its 
commitment to transatlantic values, the principles of 
constitutionalism, and republican government; and contributing to the 
stability of the region.
  Hungary is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and is 
an ally of the U.S. Hungary has been an important ally of the U.S. in 
Iraq and Afghanistan, and recently gave invaluable assistance in 
freeing the two American journalists captured in Libya.
  Historically, Hungarians have fought for the ideals of freedom, 
popular sovereignty, the rule of law, and the cause of liberty at home 
and abroad, most notably in 1848, 1956 and 1989. Michael Kovats de 
Fabriczy fought for, and died defending America's independence during 
the American Revolution in Charleston, South Carolina. In the 
Revolution and Freedom fight of 1956, Hungarians rose up against 
communist rule first within the eastern bloc countries. In 1989, 
Hungary was the first country to open its border and allowed refugees 
from East Germany to cross. Hungary became the first among the former 
Soviet bloc countries to transition to a Western-style parliamentary 
democracy.
  In transatlantic relations, between 1995 and 2004, Hungary played a 
critical role in implementing the Dayton Peace Accords in the Balkans 
by allowing its airbase at Taszar to be used by coalition forces 
transiting the region. Between April 2003 and December 2004, Hungary 
helped stabilize Iraq by deploying a 300-strong battalion to Iraq as 
part of the Multi-National Force, and in 2003 allowed the Taszar 
airbase to be used for training the Free Iraqi Forces.
  Since 2006, Hungary has led a Provincial Reconstruction Team in 
Afghanistan and has also deployed an Operational Mentoring and Liaison 
Team, which operates in partnership with the Ohio National Guard and 
other United States military personnel in Afghanistan.
  More recently, Hungary's military has taken over command of a joint 
battalion on the Balkans in support of NATO missions, and Hungary's 
Papa Airbase is the home base of the Strategic Airlift Consortium's C-
17 operations for NATO missions.
  The United States and Hungary share common values of democracy, rule 
of law, separation of powers, cultural diversity, religious tolerance, 
and social mobility; and the United States is home to approximately 1.5 
million Hungarian-Americans.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Hungary on the 
commemorative events to honor the legacy of Ronald Reagan in the 
region; recognizing Hungary as an important strategic partner of the 
United States in Europe; and commending Hungary for reaffirming its 
commitment to transatlantic values, the principles of 
constitutionalism, and democracy; and contributing to the stability of 
the region. We wish Hungary a prosperous future.

                          ____________________