[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 138 (Thursday, November 13, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1560]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        THE 58TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HUNGARIAN REVOLUTION OF 1956

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ANDY HARRIS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 2014

  Mr. HARRIS. Mr. Speaker, last month, on October 23, 2014, we 
celebrated the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, honoring the memory of 
freedom fighters who rose up against the communist regime imposed on 
Hungary after World War II by the Soviet Union. It was not only a 
culmination of Hungary's struggle for freedom, democracy and 
independence, but also presaged the collapse of the Soviet Empire. 
Indeed, the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Fight for Freedom was the 
first tear in the Iron Curtain, which collapsed none too soon 25 years 
ago. Many heroes died fighting, others were tortured and executed, 
while 200,000 had no other option other than to leave their country. A 
large number of them came to the United States and, together with their 
families, started a new life as part of our vibrant Hungarian American 
Community.
  We must never forget the heroes of 1956 who knew exactly what they 
wanted. They fought and died for freedom, a multi-party democracy and 
independence from the communist tyranny imposed on their country by the 
Soviet Union.
  One of our greatest presidents, Ronald Reagan, whose statue now 
stands in Freedom Square of Budapest, remembered the Revolution as 
follows: ``The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was a true revolution of, 
by and for the people. Its motivations were humanity's universal 
longings to live, worship, and work in peace and to determine one's own 
destiny. The Hungarian Revolution forever gave the lie to communism's 
claim to represent the people, and told the world that brave hearts 
still exist to challenge injustice.''
  Consistent with our practice of fifty-eight years, we are committed 
to keeping the memory of the heroes of 1956 alive. As we contemplate 
the promise of Hungary 1956, we are reminded that that promise must 
never be forgotten or abandoned, as the heroes of 1956 deserve nothing 
less.

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