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MISSION STATEMENT.
The World Federation of Hungarian Veterans is a worldwide charitable organization with chapters in Europe, North and South America and Australia. It was founded in 1947 by Hungarian veterans of the Second World War. The original aim of the organization was to promote patriotism, the establishment of a Christian Hungarian government; to struggle against the evils of communism, and to commemorate and keep alive the sacrifices of those who suffered and died in the fight for liberty and democratic ideals. Continuing these goals, and providing aid to those of its members who require moral and financial support, the Organization seeks to preserve and propagate Hungarian culture and heritage by its broad support of other Hungarian organization, youth groups, Hungarian cultural events and churches.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE WORLD FEDERATION OF HUNGARIAN VETERANS (by Mr.Tibor Rada; translated by Mr.L.B.G.Simonyi)
At the end of World War II. nearly one millions Hungarians, military personnel as well civilians, including families, had evacuated to the West, into neighboring Austria and Germany. The Western Allies held 350,000 military personnal as POWs. Within the next one and a half years these POWs were set free and a large portion were repatriated to Hungary. Many of the rest remained in Austria and West-Germany, in the American, French and English Zones of Occupation. They and their families settled in a scattered fashion, some in towns and villages or cities; some found temporary shelters on ships on the Danube River, in farmers' barns and even tent-camps within the Bavarian forests. Later, the majority were resettled into Refugee Camps which were under the administration of the IRO (International Refugee Organization). This situation held true for several years' duration.
The ex-soldiers (especially the professionals) didn't wish to return to Hungary, which was occupied by the Soviet forces, where they, most likely, would have become POWs again; those who were members of the Officer or NCO Corps, or the Gendarmery, would certainly have faced persecution and/or prison time, or even worse.
Thus, these soldiers and gendarms remaining in the West, began to seek out eachother and in order to give mutual support, formed a Comradely Association. Later, when emigration took many to foreign lands, their organization became world-wide.
The initiative to establish contact with the Hungarian soldiers (in the Western Occupied Zones of Germany & Austria) was mainly the effort of the Hungarian General Staff officers. In the British Zones of Occupation in Austria, in Innsbruck, there were Major F. v. Adonyi and Captain M. Korponay; in the French Zone it was Major L. Jeziersky and in the American Zone in Germany there were Majgen of Gendarmery P. Hodossy, Colonel L. Nadas and Captain A. v. Radnoczy who began these activities or organization. Their goals were: the establishment of idological contact with the soldiers; and the organizing of effort to effect intervention against the Soviet occupation and communist government in the Homeland as much as possible under the circumstances. Finally, they sought to come up with a roster of available personnel for such (and future) acts of intervention in Hungary. All these personnel were to be volunteers, patriots, who were ready and willing to participate in such (planned) activities.
These initial activities evolved into a definite organization, the Collegiate Society of Hungarian Veterans, which, in 1947, elected Major General Z. v. Zako as its Leader; from 1949, he directed the activities of this organization from Munich. They organized several sub-departments with separate, but interwoven missions within this Veteran Organization; these were: Search & Service Unit which was to collect and collate rosters of ex-soldiers in the Western Zones of Occupation; POW Information Service which was to prepare lists of known Hungarian POWs in all areas in the West. In addition, there began the collection and analyses of historical data under the auspices of the Military History Office. Their focus included the study of past as well as potential future military problems; this material, preserved and safeguarded, was called the "Archivum Hungaricum."
From this beginning they created and distributed a "Central Information Newsletter" appearing periodically. Further this newsletter evolved into a monthly edition called "HADAK UTJAN" ("The Warriors' Way"). Its first editor, in Munich, until 1988, was Captain of the General Staff P. Darnoy. This effort was then continued in Toronto, Canada to date, under a likewise able editor, Mr.K.v.Borbas, an ex-First Lieutenant of the Hungarian Armed Forces Field Correspondent Department. Both editors had and have done this duty with outstanding ability; to date, this institutional organ had passed its 500th edition (in the last decades appearing bi-monthly and distributed all over the world to all chapters).
REMARK by the Translator: When the World Federation of Hungarian Veterans was organized, besides the aims indicated in the Mission Statement, there was also an unmentioned goal: the original leaders of our organization expected the Western Powers, sooner or later, to actively resist the Soviet colonializatioon and communization of Central and Western Europe. Thus, the organization felt it necessary to keep track of, i.e., list in its membership all members of the Royal Hungarian Army who were on active duty until May 8, 1945. It was supposed that if and when an armed confrontation would arise between East and West, the organization could offer the participation of armed Hungarian units under Western leadership for the eventual liberation of Hungary from the Soviets. Later, when it was realized that the above confrontation will not arise, the organization continued as a pure Veteran association with its mission as stated in the above Mission Statement. (end of remarks by L.B.G.Simonyi)
The membership of the organization (re-named and registered in various countries as "World Federation of Hungarian Veterans" hereinafter referred by initials: WFHV) pays yearly dues to the (so-called) "Zrinyi Foundation" which aims to cover the expenses of the publication of the newsletter as well as other administrative expenses. This Foundation also supported several other publications, namely:
1. Complete rosters of Hungarian POWs and civilians who were forcibly detained and/or removed to the Soviet Union.
2. Publishing 3000 copies in 1950 of a "White Book" (also in English and Spanish) with the above data which was sent to various United Nations leaders and departments.
3. Publication of a "Black Book" with names and personal data of Hungarians forcibly deported to the Soviet Union; also of those who (like Pol Pot had done in Cambodia later) were exiled into su-bstandard country-living conditions from Hungary's major cities.
As per data shwon in the "White Book" five years after the end of World War II there still were several hundred thousand Hungarians kept in 2612 "gulag" camps in the Soviet Union.
After the "Cold War" had started in 1948, taking into account the then existing diplomatic-political atmosphere, the WFHV leadership anticipated a possible outbreak of hostilities in Europe between the Western Allies and the Soviet Union. This gave impetus for the "Special Services Unit" within the WFHV with the dual missions of reconnaissance in Hungary (of potential enemy forces, i.e., Soviet units) and the the examination of the feasibility of organizing a resistance movement and/or to determine a time when offensive action would be possible with such movement.
The secret acitivies were directly overseen by Major General v.Zako (WFHV President), who during the latter part of WW II. was in charge of the G2 Division of the Royal Hungarian Armed Forces General Staff and he was supported by several ex-General Staff officers. They established contact with the already existing resistance in Hungary through use of volunteer junior ex-officers. They collected information of the locations and strength of Soviet forces and their movements; the information was then professionally analysed and transmitted to the French military intelligence.
This was a very perilous task. The Hungarian communist government's "Military-Political Departmen, the State Security division ("Katonal-Political Osztaly and Allamvedelmi Osztaly respectively) and the Soviet NKWD succeeded in capturing most of these courageous couriers; they also kidnapped several young volunteer officers (Ens.J.Fehervary, Lt. A. Dozsa) and killing in an ambush Lt.A.Kovach (in Austria). The leader of the resistance in Hungary, Colonel P. Hadvary was arrested and shortly thereafter executed (as were virtually all those young courier officers captured by the communists). There were several resistance groups in Hungary whose leaders were also ex-soldiers. The activities of these brave heroes put into existence the germ of rebellious feelings which eventually led to the 1956 Freedomfight.
As the Cold War evolved into a lasting "detente" between East and West, the WFHV revisited its goals and arrived at the decision to re-state its mission in these two major areas:
1. The safeguarding of Hungarian national and military traditions and their propagation to following generations in the emigration.
2. The assistance of Hungarians societally and/or those disabled or otherwise in need.
The world-wide organization became active on four continents, in 23 countries with 19 National or Area Groups and a host of local chapters, including a so-called "Letter-Contact Group" (for those without the availability of joining a local chapter). The total membership between 1950-1980 was approximately 10-12,000. Since then the membership (including wives, single men and women) had declined rapidly due to aging and the resulting death through illness. (As of 2006, the membership has declined to below 1,000).
In November 1956, the WFHV joined in the international relief activities which sent medical and food supplies and clothing to the refugees (some 200,000) who fled to Austria (after the failed 1956 Freedomfight).
Our first WFHV President, Major General A.v. Zako died in 1968. Since the bulk of the Hungarian immigrants after WWII. came to North America, the new President elected was Major General E. Meszoly (from the USA). From October 1978 he was succeeded by Captain of General Staff L.v. Duska, from Canada. It was Duska's initiative that the WFHV was accepted into the European Frontfighters Association, which was organized earlier in Paris, France. In October 1987, after Duska's death, the leadership returned to the USA, to ex-First Lieutenant Hugo v. Martonfalvary. It was under his tenure, after the collapse of the Iron Curtain and Hungary's communist government, that the WFHV was officially introduced into Hungary first at the Institute of Military History by a presentation given by Mr.A.v.Radnoczy (Grand-Captain of the Order of Vitez) in which he sketched the history of the Hungarian military emigration.
Radnoczy's presentation accounted for the successes as well as the grievous losses of the WFHV's "Special Services." In the past decades these activities were kept from public knowledge (in Hungary). He also told his audience of the book, written by v.Fehervary "Penitentiary and Soviet World in Hungary 1945-1956") in which the author told the sad fates of the young officers after their capture by the communist authorities. Yet, he said, their martyrhood and sufferings were not in vain. He quoted the then-chief of the (communist) State Security, who, referring to the WFHV opined: "...Before 1956 (they) conducted active and successful activities in the country." Dr.V. Orban, one of the Hungarian Prime Ministers after 1990 had also averred to the WFHV by saying: "Without the pre-1956 resistance there wouldn't have been an October 1956."
After a number of bilateral discussions, WFHV President v.Martonfalvay , in 1992, led a seven-member deputation to Hungary and delivered the old-revered Flag of the Ludovika Academy (Hungary's West Point) to the Zrinyi Military Academy (present Hungarian Military Academy). This flag was secretly guarded by changing teams of WFHV members for 47 years.
In 2004, after v.Martonfalvay's retirement due to ill health, Mr.Laszlo Simonyi became the elected President of the WFHV. He is a "second-generation" member, a Korean veterans of the US Air Force, a semi-retired professor of Psychology, living in Illinois, USA. (Mr.Rada's essay ends here; the following closing paragraphs were added by Mr. L.Simonyi, President WFHV.)
The reduced number of WFHV membership includes many "second-generation" persons, but it is still viable and continues its mission of safeguarding and keeping alive Hungarian national and military traditions. Their activies extend to assisting or initiating:
1. Assistance to areas of Hungary devastated by natural disasters.
2. Organizing or participating in memorial celebrations of traditional Hungarian national historical events in the immigration.
3. Established a Webpage for the public about the WFHV which covers a number of information chapters on the organization and Hungarian history and traditions.
4. Maintenance of contact with our membership world-wide.
5. Initiate or maintain similar contacts with persons and institutions of shared interests in Hungary.
6. Continue publication of the "Warriors' Way" the bi-monthly newsletter of the WFHV.
In yearly Leadership Meetings, held each January in Cleveland, Ohio, the above goals are revisited, progress is analysed and adjustments or new missions, as necessary, are created
INDIVIDUAL HISTORICAL SUMMARIES OF WFHV GROUPS
1. A Short History of the Argentine "Janos Czetz" National Group
(By: Lorant vitez Ferenczy, National President; NOTE: "MHBK"= English name of organization is"World Federation of Hungarian Veterans" hereinafter referred to by initials "WFHV." Also the "vitez" or "v" between given and familiy names denotes a person's membership in the Hungarian Order of Vitez, a knightly order esdtablished after WWI, to honor persons who had performed great acts of bravery during that war. The appellation was inheritable by first-bon sons. Translated from Hungarian by Miss Marta Simonyi)
I. The Beginnings
The Argentine National Group of the WFHV was founded in 1949. In 1951, this National Group, at great sacrifice to its members, published 2,500 copies of "The White Paper Book." Its goal was to bring to the attention of the Spanish-speaking public on the continent the sufferings of their fellow Hungarian soldiers in the Soviet prison camps. Another book, "The Black Book," was also published. It describes the deportations that had taken place. Both were given to the UN.
In January 1952, the National Group published the first edition of its Spanish-language newletter, Pregonero Hungaro. The newsletter acquaints the public with the illustrious past of the Hungarian nation and its resistance in the face of Soviet oppression. One month subsequent to this, the second edition appeared. Bu the time of the fourth edition was published, several Argentine newspapers had mentioned it, including the Clarin, El Mundo, Buenos Aires Herald and the Freie Presse. A complimentary copy of this monthly newsletter was given to the Spanish and Argentine heads of State, membes of the Supreme Court, representatives and senators, members of the diplomatic corps, military leaders and members of the press. Its last edition appeared during the 1956 Hungarian Freedomfight. By now, the entire world was cognizant of the Freedomfight of the Hungarian people.
In 1953 and 1954, the National Group broadcast Hungarian programs with Spanish announcements on the Excelsior Radio Station. Later these broadcasts were continued by the Hungarian colony.
II. The Dramatic Events of 1956
On May 1956, on Pentecost Sunday, the Argentine National Group of the WFHV, together with the other Hungarian societies and organization, consecrated the Wall of Heroes and Martyrs at the Chacarita Cemetery of Buenos Aires.
July 13, 1956, was an important date for the WFHV and the Hungarian colony. On that day, Dr. Laszlo Agh, the USA National Group President, presented the UN Human Rights Commission at its New York Headquarters a copy of the beautiful leather-bound Memorandum prepared by the Argentine National Group and Hungarian Colony and decorated with illustrations by outstanding Hungarian artists. This Memorandum, chronicling the oppression of the Hungarian people and outlining plans for the release of enslaved Hungarian prisoners of war and Hungarian citizens, was begun by the Argentine National Group and Major Thomas vitez Kelemery, the National Group President, in 1953. As a show of support the other South American National Groups (of the WFHV) signed on to the document: Brazil, Venezuela, Uruguay, Chile, Peru and Colombia. In addition, the USA WFHV National Group, along with its twenty chapters, as well as the National Groups from Austria and Belgium signed on as well. Thus, there were 60,000 signatures in support of the Memorandum, a great show of strength, especially since all of the signatories were full-fledged members of the UN. This was the culmination of a year's preparation by the USA National Group. The hard work bore fruit when Mr. Lin Moushenc, Head of the UN Human Rights Commission, personally accepted the Memorandum for inclusion into the Agenda of the Commission for its meeting in Geneva in March 1957. This is an example of what the WFHV is capable of achieving and what can result when all Hungarians are willing to join forces for a common cause.
On July 22, 1956, the Pregonero Hungaro published a 932-page extra edition on the 500th anniversary of the victory at Nandorfehervar (now Belgrade), extolling the triumph from the viewpoint of Catholic Church history, general history and military operation. (Remark by L.Simonyi: This was a commemoration of Janos Hunyadi's victory over a huge Turkish army that laid siege to the Fortress of Nandorfehervar, thus denying the Ottoman Empire its first major effort to invade Western Europe.) At the same time, our National Group began the"Noontime Bells" radio broadcasts and held a commemorative celebration attended not only by the Argentine notables, but also by representatives from the Ukrainian, Slovene, Slovak, German, Lithanian, Polish, Latvian, Caucasian, Croation, White Russian , Estonian and Albanian colonies (of Argentina).
Mr. Thomas v.Kelemery resigned his position as National Group President after six years and was succeeded for a short time by Mr.Joseph v. Paksy, ex-captain of the Royal Hungarian Artillery, to be succeeded in turn by Mr.Laszlo Kocsis, ex-colonel of the Royal Hungarian General Staff, at the outbreak of the Hungarian Freedomfight.
On October 23, 1956, the Hungarian Freedomfight began. Hungarians united as one to work for the liberation of the Homeland. The freedom-loving Argentinians supported us one-hundred percent. The Great Powers, although they did no more than make pronouncements, yet prevented the WFHV from giving active aid to the Freedomfighters! Special gratitude must be expressed to those Argentine girls and young men who, at the outbreak of the Freedomfight, immediately offered their services for the Hungarian cause. The same gratitude is deserved by all those members of our fellow emigrants who also desired to join our ranks in fighting for the liberation of our Thousand-Year-Old Homeland.
III. The Events of 1960s through 1970s
From January 1957 to April 1961, Mr.Eugene Laczhazy, ex-Lieutenant Colonel of the Roy.Hungarian General Staff, became National Group President. He was succeeded by Mr. George Rugonyi,with the same rank as his predecessor, but he resigned in July . After new elections, he was succeeded by Mr.Francis v. Vattay Jr.
In 1963, Senora Celia Lederer Czetz de Carranza, granddaughter of General Czetz, representing his descendants, presented to our organization his handwritten manuscript; his biography, Mis Memorias, written in Spanish and his diaries written in French. It was given to our organization for safekeeping because it was the one deemed the most qualified to guard and preserve them.(General Czetz was a Hungarian General, a hero of the Battle of Piski during the Hungarian Revolution of 1848-49. After the defeat of the Revolution, he had to flee Hungary and, after lengthy trials, ended up in Argentina where, in acknowledgement of his military valor and prowess, the Argentine military accepted him into its ranks, according him the rank of colonel.)
In 1966, our National Group contributed a substantial amount toward the building of the St.Laszlo School that today boasts one thousand students.
On August 16, 1969, we commemorated the 1000th anniversary of the birth of St. Stephen of Hungary. In October 1969, we participated in a series of celebrations commemorating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Argentine Military Academy (Colegio Militar). The celebration commemorated not only the Academy but also its first Superintendant, the Hungarian General Czetz. It was he who had been given the task of organizing the newly established military academy. As its first Superintendant, he worked day and night for four years, writing the major portions of the textboooks. Some of them are used to this day. His outstanding work and military expertise laid the foundation of this officers' military academy. During the one hundred years of its existence, the Academy graduated ten thousand officers.
The Argentine government and military outside themselves in celebrating his (Czetz) memory. On October 10, they held a conference at the National Academy of History (Academia Nacional de la Historia) in the great hall of the Colegio Militar. They invited representatives from all the military academies of Latin America, along with thos of Spain, England and the United States. The US National Group was represented by members of our National Group's leadership. General Czetz' descendants and all past Superintendents of the military academy were presented with 100 year commemorative medals. On this day they transferred the remains of General Janos Czetz from the Recoleta Cemetery to the Chapel of the Palomar Cemetery, built especially for this purpose. The marble coffin was transported on a military gun-caisson, accompanied on both sides by an Argentine Cavalary Guard of Honor, while in the meantime, an artillery salvo greeted the procession. His remains were consecrated by the Roman Catholic Bishop of the Argentine Army and placed into the wall-crypt and covered with a marble slab. In his speech, the Superintendent of the Academy emphasized Czetz's Hungarian origin, praised his achievements, and his fight for freedom, and ended by explaining that his remains were transferred to the Academy so that he could rest for all eternity among his beloved students and members of the staff of the Academy. After this, our WFHV National Groups's representatives placed the WFHV wreath, the only organization permitted to do so. The celebration closed with ceremonial "march-by" of the Academy parade-comapny, joined by elements of foreign academy cadets attending. On October 11, the celebreation continued with the Argentine Cardinal consecrating the new chapel. This was attended by the President of Argentina and his wife and entourage. After Mass, the President held a review of the march-by of foreign cadets and afterwards held a reception for representatives of the various organization and WFHV attendees.
In 1970, the National Group donated a substantial sum to aid our youth groups and towad the expansion of the St.Laszlo School, acquiring more land and supporting the building fund.
In 1972, we commemorated the 500th anniversary of the Golden Bull, the 150th birthday of General Czetz, the 100th anniversary of the Ludovika Military Academy (the Hungarian West Point), and the 20th anniversary of our National Group. (The Golden Bull, made law in 1222, was similar in its contents to the British Magna Charta, restricting the rights of the King, who was to rule with the aid of Parliament.) In 1974, due to health reasons, Mr.Eugene Laczhazy resigned after fifteen years of leading our National Group. He was followed in this post by Mr. Istvan Kolosvary Kiss, ex-captain of the Roy.Hungarian Artillery. However, in 1975, Kolosvary Kiss took a leave of absence due to ill health; Dr. Ernest Somjeni substituted until 1978, and later that year he was elected to assume the National Group President's post.
IV. The Last Decades of the XXth Century.
In 1986, Mr.Laszlo v. Duska, ex-captain of the Roy.Hungarian General Staff and the President of the WFHV (this position in overall charge of all National Groups of the WFHV) visited our National Group. When he left, he took with him the Flag of the Ludovika Academy that the last commander, the Argentine resident, Laszlo Kocsis, had guarded for forty years, until his death. After his death, by written balloting, the graduates of the Ludovika Academy voted to place the Flag into safekeeping of the WFHV Central Committee, where it remained until the Flag was returned to Hungary.
Mr. Andrew v.Alitisz, ex-First Lieutenant of the Roy.Hungarian Artillery, became the Argentine National Groups President in 1989.
On October 6, 1990, the headstone of Sandor Asboth (Lt.General, USA and ambassador to Argentine from the USA) and the memorial plaque of Janos Czetz were unveiled at the Heroes and Martyrs Wall. Both men had large roles in the 1848-49 Freedomfight (against Habsburg tyranny). At the request of Mr. Alitisz, permission was given to have his headstone brought to Buenos Aires (from the USA). Janos Czetz's memorial plaque was designed by architect Elizabeth Redl Valentin.
On May 31, 1992, the Argentine Gendarmery Officers' Academy for the first time participated in our (Hungarian) Memorial Day observances. The academy sent an honor guard and a bugler under the command of an officer. This became a tradition over the years, and on several occasions the Superintendent of the academy himself was present as well. This honor was gained due to the efforts of our colleague, Eniko Bihar, a professor at the Gendarmery Academy.
On August 21, 1992, in Budapest, the Ludovika Academy Flag was handed over the Museum of Military History by Mr. Hugo v.Martonfalvay, President of the WFHV. He was accompanied by a seven member delegation representing four continents, with Mr. Lorant v. Ferenczy representing Argentina and South America.
Our comrade-in-arms, Nandor Reday, in 1994, presented the "Czetz Traveling Goblet," a gift our National Group to the chairman of the Bolyai Janos Honved Alapitvany (Janos Bolyai Military Foundation). This foundation was established for the Militaray Science Academy of the same name and the traveling goblet was created for the fincing champions of that school. Mr. L.v.Ferenczy, ex-ensign of Roy. Hungarian Artillery became the new National Group President in 1995.
In 1996, decorated with the Hungarian and Argentine flags, the Gendarmery Officers' Academy staged an impressive celebration for the acceptance of the ceremonial swords, a gift to the academy from the Bolyai Janos Military Science Institute (part of the Hungarian Military Academy). The celebration began with the parade of the honor company, and the Commander of the Gendarmery and his retinue. Hungarians were represented by the Hungarian Ambassador and members of our National Group. The main speeches were given on the Argentine side by the Commander of the Academy; on the Hungarian side by our National Group President. Afterwards Mr. Andrew v. Alitisz, representing the Bolyai Academy, presented the ceremonial sword to the Argentine Gendarmery Academy. In closing, a banquet was held for the entire academy, relatives and invited guests.
On August 10, 1997, we celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the WFHV. There were 200 persons present, with delegations from the Military Academy as well as the Gendarmery Academy.
On October 8, 1997, the South American General Captain of the Order of Vitez and our National Group President ceremoniously presented to the Argentine Military Academy, in a silver casket, soil from the birthplace of General Janos Czetz and from the battlefields where he had fought. The casket has been kept in the school's museum ever since.
In 1998, with the collaboration of our National Group, the Argentine Military Academy presented a replica of the ceremonial sword of General San Martin to the Bolyai Academy (in Hungary). The presentation was made by the Central European Military Attache of Argentina to the Commander of the Bolyai Academy.
In June, 1999, the WFHV and the Hungarian colony participated in the celebration of organizing of the "Czetz Janos, 1.Argentine Combat Engineer Battalion" in Santo Tome, 500 km from Buenos Aires. A sizeable Hungarian representation of the Hungarian colony traveled there by bus. The Hungarians were hosted to supper by the military officers and their wives. The ceremony took place the next day. In attendance were the various dignitaries of the city and country and local Hungarians and the visiting ones from Buenos Aires, along with the Hungarian Ambassador to Argentina. The 1.Combat Engineer Battalion was founded by General Janoz Czetz during the war with Paraguay. Following the speeches by both the Battalion commander and the WFHV National Group President, the leaders of the WFHV and the Order of Vitez presented in a silver casket soil from Czetz birthplace and from battlefield where he had fought in the past. Next, honors were handed out, including the WFHV Cross of Merit to Lieutenant Colonel of the General Staff Melo Chizzini, battalion commander, and Captain of the General Staff Skobalsky of the battalion staff. Lieutenant Colonel Chizzini, therafter, handed over documents by which Mssrs. Lorant v. Ferenczy and Domonkos Ladanyi were made members of the "Knightly and Military Order of Anapire Fortress" with the rank of "commander." The celebration concluded with a reception at the officers' club.
V. Into the New Millenium,
In 2000, the organizer of the First Worldwide Assembly of Hungarian Servicemen invited the Argentine WFHV National Group President to participate and asked him to track down Argentine military officers of Hungarian ancestry. Thus in May, Mr. v.Ferenczy attended the assembly accompanied by two Air Force and one Navy officer of Hungarian descent. Nineteen countries participated with forty-six officers of Hungarian ancestry.
Here it must be noted that for the 130th anniversary celebration of the Argentine Military Academy, its Superintendent invited all the Superintendents of the military academies of Latin America, Spain and with outstanding cordiality also Commander of the Bolyai Janos Military Science Academy together with two of its students to spend the entire month of October as guests of the Argentine Military Academy. This invitation was extended through the National Group President of the WFVH with extensive programs of tours, entertainment, etc. planned. Due to unforeseen and unfortunate problem arising in the offices of the Hungarian Ministry of Defense the participation of the Hungarians from the Bolyai Military Science Academy was cancelled five days before their expected arrival.
In 2004, our comrade-in-arms Mr.Domonkos v.Ladanyi, tracked down in Hungary a relative on his mother's side who was a descendantof General Czetz. This relative brought to Buenos Aires a special Czetz memorial plaque that was unveiled and presented to the Military Academy.
It must be noted here that our National Group, from its inception and establishment, had made it a point to contact both Czetz's descendants and the Argentine Military Academy. We also have participated from the very beginning in all the activities of the local Hungarian colony, including all the commemorative national holidays, religious ceremonies and festivities in the Hungarian St. Laszlo School. Since 1949, we sponsored over six hundred activities/events, sponsored young men and women fencing champions, organized periodic suppers to remember Ludovika Graduation and Oath taking occasions and the traditional, yearly St.Barbara dinner (she was the patron saint of the Artillery).
We wish to remember at this time the list of our illustrious former Presidents of the WFHV (Central): Major General Andras v. Zako; Major General Elemer v. Meszoly de Sarbogard, Captain of the General Staff Laszlo v. Duska; First Lieutenant (Inf) Hugo v. Martonfalvay and Mr. Laszlo Simonyi (service in the USAF; retired professor of psychology). We remember their important works but most importantly we must remember those who held tegether the Hungarian veterans dispersed throughout the four corners of the world through our newsletter, the editors of the "HADAK UTJAN" which had appeared more than 500 times: Captain of the General Staff Andras Apostaghy, who published this newsletter from Europe; after his death, the publishing work was transferred to Canada and flourished under the excellent editorship of the journalist and reserve First Lieutenant Karoly Borbas. We ask God's blessing for their continued work.
Thanks are also due to the various lealdes of the Australian National Groups and its chapters, whose own newsletters and communications have been instrumental in developing and keeping close graternal ties between such far-flung groups are the Australian and the Argentinian.
At last, the WFHV dream has become a reality: Hungary has been liberated! It is again free! Former military organizations and schools can again operate freely and new ones can be established. These organizations have linked up with the Ludovika Veteran Association that was established outside Hungary.
The Hungarian people who had been forced into their own Diaspora can at last celebrate our national holidays with the Hungarian Embassies. At Home, the various branches of the military, as well as the military academies, are awarding fiftieth and sixtieth anniversary certificates to those who had received the officers' commission befored and during WWII. The "HADAK UTJAN" , our newsletter, can now be mailed to our comrades in Hungary, and it can be found in the Bolyai Military Science Academy as well, where the students can have access to it. In this way, the WFHV is carrying out its mission to inculcate love of the Hungarian people and nation, of the Hungarian military's valor and traditions, and of Hungarian history not only for those Hungarians living outside the borders, but also for those Hungarians living within Hungary.
The Superintendents of the miltary academies and the Director of Military History Museum acknowledge the outstanding work of the former military schools. "The still-living students carry upon their shoulders the safeguarding of tradition, its heroes - true to their oaths - having given their lives for their beloved nation and a better world..Above, in the wide blue yonder, may the wondrous star of the former cadets, engineers, airfroce men and other - guide us on our way and shine forth brightly when we find ourselves in darkness." National Group President Mr.Lorant vitez Ferenczy.
Australian MHBK NSW Branch's Sort History
Histrical recollection of the Hungarian Veterans
World Federation's Australian NSW Branch:
28.April 1949. George Goór Sen. receives his
appoointment at the Railway Station of Innsbruck
Austria as the President of the Federation in
Australia. Upon his arrival in Sydney he in turns
appoints Andrew Mersich to be President of the
Sydney Branch.
4.February 1952 George Goór hands over the
Presidency to Frank Szász in Melbourne
and remains the President of the NSW.Chapter.
1.January 1953. No.21. is the official designation
of the NSW.Chapter.
17.V.1955 . Zoltán v.Török becomes the President of
the NSW.Chapter. for a while, and
Imre Kertész takes over from him some time
later.-
At the end of 1958 .Otmár Majsay is the President of
the NSW.Chapter.-
14.February 1972. Steven v.Jani is elected to be
the President of the NSW.Chapter.
26.February 1989 - to this day George Goór Jr. Is
elected President of the NSW Chapter.
There are 3-4 Meetings each year to discuss
business of general interest. The main task of the
Chapter is to Commemorate the Fallen Heros, on or
about the 26.June each year, by placing a wreath on
the Hero's Cross at the Cemetary, attending Church
Services, followed by a Gala Dinner with the Order
of St.László and some modest patriotic programme of
Remembrance.-
Pennant Hills, 14th December 2006.
George Goór
2.Short history of the Hungarian Veterans association of South Australia.
(Hungarian Veterans Association abbreviated in Hungarian as “MHBK”)
During peace time in Hungary, before the Second World War, it was compulsory for young men to serve some time in the army. This training was beneficial to all in learning discipline and how to live an honest life, respecting friends and others. Some of these people later choose to continue with army life. In parallel to this, some young men joined the academy and trained to be officers serving the nation. All these young men pledged to fight for the country till death, to protect it’s people from harm. From this training many fine young men received responsible duties and some reached high ranking positions.
The peaceful life of Hungary, as in so many other countries, was disturbed by the Second World War and Hungarians were drawn into fight, for what was not their war, but for the protection of the nation. Many soldiers and civilians died, women and children were violated and the country was torn apart. The start of communism came with executions and prison camps for many. The soldiers and others had no choice, but to leave the country with their families, escaping the horror which overshadowed their beloved land.
In 1947 these soldiers in refugee camps in Germany, formed a group (MHBK) in case they were needed for further action and to keep in touch supporting each other by sharing each other’s hardships. As their last hope, for any political change did not occur and the situation for their families worsened, the emigrations started to North and South America and Australia. All were contracted for two years at places without any choice, doing laborer’s jobs at low pay. The start was difficult wit unfamiliar culture and language problems.
In Adelaide, South Australia, members of the MHBK formed a local group in 1951. The membership of the group in 1952 was sufficient to be called an “Area group” which was confirmed by the head office in Germany. At this time the Adelaide Group selected the MHBK’s founding member’s name “Zako Andras” as part of their title and became the: “Magyar Harcosok Bajtarsi Kozossege “Zako Andras” focsoprt” (Hungarian Veterans Association of South Australia Zako Andras group).
The members common beliefs were Christianity, the deep love for their country, holding remembrance celebrations for those who lost their lives for their country, fighting against communism and the decision of loosing two third of Hungarian land to neighboring countries through which millions of Hungarians were isolated. Over the years the MHBK members have taken part in many important events, provided moral and financial support to youth groups involved with stage performances, Hungarian folk dancing and culture and worked together with other Hungarian organizations for common goals, supporting churches and needy people in the Homeland. The MHBK is an aging group, where caring and supporting each other becomes so important by sharing their happiness and sorrows. But they are also committed to continue their work for gaining respect for all those who lost their lives fighting for freedom and to improve lives of the needy, especially those forced to live outside of current Hungary. Their hard work, national pride, achievements and the success of their family members in the adopted country, is an example for new generations. Newsletters are being produced bi-monthly (in Hungarian), to keep local members informed. They are also kept in the South Australian Collection in Periodicals of the State Library, South Australia, Adelaide.
Stepen Dobozy
President of the Hungarian Veterans Association of South Australia
October 2006
3.The MHBK Chicago Area Group (by L.Tokay & L.Simonyi)
The World Federation of Hungarian Veterans (WFHV), originally the Collegiate Society of Hungarian Veterans until 1994, was formed in 1947 as an organization of World War II. veteran Hungarian soldiers. To date, this organization has become the largest and most lasting worldwide federation of its kind. Its existence has been directly instrumental in successfully holding together through their membership in the Federation the Hungarian officers and enlisted personnel dispersed throughout the world. Furthermore, it is among its members that the ancient Hungarian military heritage has been assiduously guarded. The Federation has given the old soldiers (and their families) the moral and spiritual support with which they could start a new life far from their Homeland and provide a new future for their families in the emigration. As a consequence, the Hungarian soldiers and their families were never lost in foreign lands; on the contrary, they continued to live according to their old traditions while also fitting into the framework/traditions of their new homes. This scenario has been constant in the various foreign lands Hungarians immigrated to from the 1950s to this day.
Within this larger WFHV family, the Chicago Group (area-group from 1997) came into existence in 1950. Since then it has maintained the same high and noble standards that the WFHV espoused. In its more than half-century long existence, the Chicago Area group has established an eventful, diverse history that has been crowned with many successes.
The association's concepts and goals have been met; in addition, the Chicago Area Group has initiated and maintained many charities and participated in various works that aimed at rendering assistance to others here in the USA, as well as abroad. The work had often reached a level that could have been classified as "nation-saving" - in reality, a pivotal duty and responsibility of all soldiers - in some of the darkest and most dangerous periods of Hungarian history. The Chicago Area-Group, during its more than half-century long functioning, has distributed over $75,000 - a noteworthy accomplishment of a membership who in the meantime was creating their own individual existence - mostly to the following major causes/groups through 1994:
a. Burg Kastl Hungarian High School in Germany
b. 19."Hunyadi Matyas" Hungarian Scout Troop of Chicago
c. Hungarian school in Chicago area
d. Hungarian churches in the Chicago area
e. Various charity organizations in the USA and Europe
f. Hungarian ex-soldiers in Europe, living under sub-standard
conditions and/or on disability
g. Other, occasional gifts per special events/requests
Besides the above financial disbursements, the Chicago Area-Group has continuously met its yearly dues to the "Zrinyi Foundation" established by the WFHV to support and maintain its official, bi-monthly newsletter, "THE WARRIORS' WAY" (HADAK UTJAN).
These wide-ranging works to support and assist our people as well as our Nation, the in-tandem efforts to safeguard our soldierly heritage, and the continued maintenance of moral as well as spiritual standards had given the WFHV a historical role after World War II.
From 1997, when the Chicago Group was raised to "Area-Group" status, our work inclcuded a lot of consolidation and some reorganization. The grim truth was no longer avoidable: our membership has declined through death, the inactivation of once vibrant groups/chapters. We have managed to save what we could; this involved to gather up the remaining members of inactivated groups into the Chicago Area-Group (hence the "area" designation) and also through diligent search included into the membership those ex-members, or new interested ones, who lived in locations where there were no chapters available for them to join. Thus we managed to keep track of a lot of the "old" soldiers and their families and administratively keep contact with them as well as distribute the "WARRIORS' WAY" newsletter to them.
Our activities, as a legally registered non-profit organization continued and is continuing today. We have a program for each year that includes 2-3 gatherings for fund-raising events (and, of course, the membership pays yearly dues from which we assist the "Zrinyi Foundation" and defray our administrative expenses). We take part in or actively organize national-memorial events for the 1848-49 Kossuth Freedomfights' anniversary; the "Heroes' Day" memorial mass and program which is usually near the USA Memorial Day date. In addition we organize for the memorial for the 1920 Trianon tragedy; St.Stephen's Day in August in memory of our First King and nation-building leader; a memorial program for the 1956 Hungarian Freedomfight in late October. We end our programs with the traditional dinner-meeting close to the date of St.Barbara, the patron-saint of the artillery (during which we remember ALL arms of service).
With the changed circumstances since 1990, which we firmly believe was initiated by the 1956 Freedomfight, we are actively aiding all patritoic and charity efforts that need our support both here and in Hungary. We continue to contribute to the organizations formerly listed in this summary. In addition, we have actively aided needy Hungarians during the several flood-disasters in recent years; paid for radio-advertisements to encourage mass-voting during the various Hungarian elections since 1990 and achieved contact with like-minded patriotic veterans' associations in Hungary.
As long as our Area-Groups and local chapters are capable of functioning, they will do so. That is our goal too, here in Chicagoland with the continued, appreciated help of our membership.
THE FOUNDING AND SUBSEQUENT ACTIVITES OF THE
MHBK IN MONTREAL AND ITS ENVIRONS (By Mr. Julius v.Detre; Translated by Miss Marta Simonyi)
“Loyalty to One’s Homeland and Military Calling”
In 1949, while living in an Austrian refugee camp and preparing to emigrate to Montreal, Canada, I was asked by Andras Szinay, vk. szds. to organize and establish a branch of the MHBK in Montreal. In keeping with the spirit of my oath given at the Hungarian Ludovica Military Academy, my love for my Hungarian Homeland, my desire to further the interests of my countrymen, and my sense of duty toward the Hungarian Military Ideal, I was proud to accede to his request.
Subsequently, in June of 1949, together with my wife and two sons, I emigrated to Montreal. After overcoming initial difficulties, I began organizing the branch on New Year’s Eve, 1949. One of the first steps was to contact the Canadian MHBK Area Group President to seek his help and advice. As the organizer and first chapter leader, I at first approached the older higher ranking colleagues to accept the leadership role of chapter leader, believing that such an individual would be a more effective representative vis a vis the leadership of the host country. Sadly, I was much disillusioned with the lack of interest and often outright indifference that I encountered.
Nevertheless, in the fall of 1950, I was able to prevail upon one of my colleagues—Milvius Attila Olchvary,
cso.vorgy— to accept my nomination for chapter leader, and in due course the group elected him. Between 1951 and 1985, the Montreal branch has had ten chapter leaders.
NOTEWORTHY ACIVITES IN THE LIFE OF THE MONTREAL BRANCH
The Montreal Branch was at its peak between 1960-65 and 1970-76 in its participation in community activities, although we were not idle in the intervening years either.
We judged it to be important to establish relations with the Canadian Government agencies and the military. To further this plan, in 1951 we invited the representatives of the Federal and Provincial Governments and the military to join us in laying a wreath in memory of Hungarian heroes during the Memorial Day Celebrations held at the War Memorial in the Main Square of Montreal. The MHBK was represented by its newly elected chapter leader, Attila Olchvary. Later the MHBK built its own monument to our Hungarian heroes in the park adjacent to the Church of Our Lady of Hungary. The monument is a smaller version of the one located in Heroes Square in Budapest. Since that time, we have held all of our commemorations there, in the company of our fellow immigrants, as well as with the Canadian public and the various Churches and organizations of Montreal. The military parades by the Canadian Veterans and Les Legionnaires du Quebec add distinction to the commemorations.
The MHBK organized various demonstrations in Ottawa and Montreal for Hungarian causes and to call the Canadian public’s attention to the injustices perpetrated upon Hungary by the Peace Treaty drawn up by the victorious Allies at the end of WW II. In 1950, while still under my leadership, we helped to organize the Hungarian Scout Troop in Montreal. Since 1956, the MHK has organized the commemorations of the 1956 Freedom Fight and, after 1983, has continued to do so together with the Montreal Grand Committee of Hungarian Churches and Societies whose members are 60-70% MBHK members as well. The branch was very active in the relief work for the 1956 refugees. In 1960, we established the Zrinyi Fencing Club. Men and women, young and old, at first participated, but after twelve years of existence the club was disbanded due to finances and disinterest. The MHBK also established the Montreal Hungarian Choir, which was very active during 1960-70. Twice we conducted blood drives: once for Canadian soldiers who were fighting in Korea, and in 1976—the 20th anniversary of the Hungarian Freedom Fight—in gratitude to the Canadian Red Cross for its help in sending blood plasma, medicines, and care packages to the relief of the Hungarian refugees in 1956. We organized numerous balls as well as a theater group mainly for the younger people. Most notably, the Montreal Branch founded the “Traveling Flag”, which has gone around the world to unite in spirit Hungarians scattered around the globe in order to call attention to our common heritage and our common fight for the welfare of our Hungarian Homeland. Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty personally blessed the flag. He prayed: “. . . Our God, may we, who unite in faith and collegial love under this flag, never be parted from You. . .”
It should be noted that 48% of MHBK members were never in the military, that the officer rank made up about 22%, and that today about 20-25% are between the ages of 35-50. Membership has dropped, mainly due to aging members. However, we must not be dejected, for we have our young people at our Churches/Parishes as well as in their various organizations, who have understood their historic calling and accept it as their sacred duty to fight for Hungarian justice. I feel that the seed that was sown through our MHBK fell on fertile soil and has come into full flower. Although our numbers are smaller and scattered around the world, those that remain have a historic calling because it is on this earth that mankind’s future is decided. Our ammunition today is knowledge, the written word, the spoken word, and attitude and spirit.
Gratitude is owed to the many individuals who were willing to assume leadership roles and all that such roles entail. Most of all I express my gratitude to those who, along with me, unfurled and lifted high the military
flag—individuals in whose hearts the love of homeland and a sense of duty could not be suppressed even by the exile and poverty of those early days of emigrant life. Thirty-seven years ago those who were reared in the spirit of a thousand-year tradition and those who were willing to assume the duty of preserving the Hungarian military values joined together in a common cause: the founding of the Collegial Society of Hungarian Veterans. Often it was a rough and bumpy road, but in spite of that, we can look back with pride on our achievements.
Sir Julius Detre, szkv. fhdgy.
MHBK Canadian Area Group Leader
Between 1949-1999, fifty years of MHBK History:
Founding member
Chapter Leader
Area Group Leader for 20 years
45 years in leadership positions
MHBK National Groups and chapters addresses
1. Central Headquarters of MHBK/WFHV:
Mr. Leslie B.G.Simonyi v.S. President
2201 S.Grace Str, #503, Lombard, IL., 60148
laszlosimonyi@yahoo.com
Mr. John Korossy Jr., Vice-President
9391 Hilo Farm, Kirtland Hills,OH, 44060
MHBKPres@aol.com
2.MHBK/WFHV-USA:
Mr.Lajos Muranyi - USA Vice-President
6549 N.Mozart Ave.,Chicago, IL., 60645
6 Chapters: Cleveland, Chicago, Buffalo, Philadelphia, South Bend, Sarasota
3.MHBK/WFHV-Canada:
Mr.Joseph Hertelendy - Canadian Vice-President
145 Speed Island Trail,R.R.21,Cambridge,OHT,N3C 2V3 Canada
Etahinca@aol.com
4 Chapters: Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Vancouver
4.MHBK/WFHV-Europe:
Dr. Joseph Szen - European Vice-President
3.rue de regard, F-91350,Grigny, France
4 Chapters: France, Belgium, Germany, Austria
5.MHBK/WFHV-South America:
2 Chapters: Brazil, Argentina
6.MHBK/WFHV-Australia:
Mr. Gyorgy Goor - Australian Vice-President
93 Banksia Str, Heidelberg, 3084, Australia
3 Chapters: Victoria, N.S.Wales, S.Australia |
