[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 28287]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE AMERICAN HUNGARIAN FEDERATION ON ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 24, 2007

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the American 
Hungarian Federation on their 100th anniversary. This group, formed in 
1906 as a vehicle to advance and protect the interests of Hungarian-
Americans, is one of the oldest ethnic organizations in the United 
States.
  Hungarians have been outstanding contributors to our republic since 
the days of its inception, when Col. Commandant Mihaly Kovats, the 
Hungarian officer who led the first American cavalry into battle, died 
fighting the British at Charleston, S.C. in 1779. Their exceptional 
service and patriotism were again exemplified in 1906 when Hungarian-
Americans raised funds for the erection of a statue of George 
Washington in Budapest, one of the first acts of the newly-formed 
American Hungarian Federation.
  Since its creation, the Federation's noble mission has expanded 
greatly to assist Hungarians on both sides of the Atlantic as well as 
advance worldwide the causes of freedom and democracy. They have worked 
tirelessly to unite those of Hungarian descent, celebrate their shared 
culture, assist the needy members of their community, and provide 
relief and shelter to victims of Communist oppression.
  In a powerful expression of solidarity with those all over the world 
who have suffered under Stalinist regimes, the American Hungarian 
Federation played a pivotal role in the creation of the Victims of 
Communism Memorial. This monument was dedicated on June 12th by the 
President of the United States and it honors the more than 100 million 
people killed worldwide by totalitarian communist regimes.
  It is my privilege to honor the American Hungarian Federation on 
their 100th anniversary and extraordinary contributions to America. 
Their efforts and labors ensure a brighter future for Hungarians, at 
home and abroad, as well as for all those who yearn for freedom in our 
world.

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