Hungary | Revolution Day
Hungarian Revolution Day
Hungarian flags festooned the ancient walls of Guildhall at a reception to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the 1956 Revolution. In his welcome address, Ambassador Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky paid tribute to the bravery of the 2500 youngsters who laid down their lives for the freedoms Hungary enjoys today.
Guest of Honour Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson stressed the importance of remembering “the lessons of history” and spoke of the “immense contribution” of the Hungarian community – both the 56ers and more recent arrivals – whose rights he pledged to safeguard.
In his address, the Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Péter Szijjártó spoke of Hungary as “a nation of freedom fighters” ready to stand up against overweening powers. “We will never allow anyone to change our country against our will.”
He thanked Britain for being a second home to so many Hungarians and its role in helping Hungary regain its “rightful place” in the European family of nations.
PHOTOS: PIERRE DE VILLIERS