The 58th Anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956

Floor Speech

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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