[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24077]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  IN HONOR OF THE 1956 HUNGARIAN REVOLUTION AND VIKTOR ORBAN, FORMER 
               PRIME MINISTER OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 17, 2004

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
the Hungarian Freedom Fighters of 1956. These men and women of Hungary, 
armed with the promise of liberty and hope for a better tomorrow, were 
the first to courageously rise up in defiance of the Soviet occupation. 
Their historical struggle for freedom continues to inspire those who 
are not yet free. I also rise today in honor and welcome of Former 
Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, who has journeyed to Cleveland 
to commemorate the sacrifice, determination and heart of the Hungarian 
``Freedom Fighters'' of 1956.
  The 1956 Hungarian Revolution marked the beginning of the end of 
Soviet oppression in Central and Eastern Europe. As the Soviet army 
blazed a trail of aggression and control, millions of Hungarians fled 
Europe and sought refuge in America. More than two hundred thousand 
Hungarians settled in Cleveland, bringing with them the culture and 
memories of their beloved homeland, and the promise of freedom and 
democracy.
  A leader on the front lines of liberty in Hungary, Former Prime 
Minister Viktor Orban carried the blazing torch of freedom, passed to 
him from the generation before. He was one of the founders of the 
Federation of Young Democrats--one of Hungary's first parties to oppose 
communist rule. In a speech delivered on June 16, 1989, the words of 
Former Prime Minister Viktor Orban rang loud and clear along the 
streets and countryside of Hungary and far beyond, demanding free 
elections and the immediate withdrawal of Soviet troops from Hungary.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of the Hungarian Freedom Fighters of 1956. Thousands of Hungarian men 
and women made the ultimate sacrifice so that all could be free. The 
Hungarian Freedom Fighters of 1956 pierced the darkness of tyranny and 
sparked the first light of liberty throughout Central and Eastern 
Europe. The rising light of their quest for freedom and their bravery, 
heart and sacrifice continues to inspire us all, lending us hope for 
the dawning of a peaceful new day.

                          ____________________