Ambassador George H. Walker

Address On the Occasion of Observances in Washington, DC
March 15, 2006

Distinguished citizens and leaders of the American government might well ask the question, “Why this hullabaloo about such a small country and its revolutions – a country small in geographic size, in population and, today regrettably, in influence on world events. As the U.S. Ambassador to this fascinating, historical and truly beautiful land I have three responses – three reasons to both pay attention and give thanks to this proud Magyar nation. 

First, for those of us who have our roots in Europe and who want to understand and appreciate the history of this continent, we should have some acquaintance with the history of Hungary – the Ottoman rule for 150 years, the 1848 revolution against the House of Habsburg (the anniversary of which we honor today), the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Trianon Treaty at the end of World War I which resulted in Hungary losing two thirds of its territory and half of its population, and then the catastrophic alliance with Hitler in World War II, the annihilation of most of the Jewish population towards the end of the war, the subjugation by the Soviets after World War II and, of course, the 1956 revolution to throw off Soviet domination, a revolution which inspired freedom-loving people around the world and exposed the brutality and inhumanity of the Soviet empire. 

We honor today the freedom fighters of 1848 and 1956 who fought for independence, for a more democratic political system and for human rights. Historians, as well, take note of the events in 1989 when Hungarians opened their gates to East German citizens fleeing their country in large numbers and simultaneously, and at considerable risk, opened the doors to Austria and freedom, thereby defying the Warsaw Pact. That action by brave Hungarians was a major contribution to the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the Iron Curtain. We have good reason to celebrate Hungary’s history which represents a constant struggle in the name of liberty. 

As Theodore Roosevelt said to a Hungarian-American audience in 1889, “if you bring into American life the spirit of the heroes of Hungary, you have done your share. There is nothing this country needs more than that there shall be put before its men and its future men – its boys and girls, too – the story of such lives as that of Kossuth.” 

But there are other reasons to celebrate Hungary. Perhaps as much as any other country, this land in central Europe, a nation no larger in size than the State of Indiana, has sent to our nation men and women of great talent, sometimes genius, who have had an influence and impact that truly defies measurement. In science, business, music, film, art and literature their contributions have been extraordinary. Please allow me to mention some names:  Edward Teller and Leo Szilard in science and physics; John Von Neumann, often credited as the inventor of the computer; Bela Bartok, Eugene Ormandy and Sir Georg Solti in music; Jon Lukacs, Arthur Koestler and Ferenc Molnar in literature; Mihaly Munkacsy in art; Adolph Zukor in film; and, of course, Andy Grove and Estee Lauder in business. We cannot omit Elie Wiesel and that wonderful man among us, Congressman Tom Lantos. There are many more. But the strength of our country in the world today, the admiration and respect which the United States commands is due in part to the contributions of the extraordinary talent brought to us by many inspired Hungarians. 

These remarks began with the observation that there are at least three reasons for the focus on Hungary and the highlights of its history. The third reason is more personal. For the most part, all of us look continually for inspiration to challenge us and to stimulate us in our daily efforts. In the two and one half years that my wife and I have represented the United States in Budapest we have been inspired continually by the courage, the resilience, and the tenacity of the Hungarian people. A cursory look at its history reveals a nation that has lost many battles, that has suffered as foreign powers separated land, family and friends to neighboring countries, and that has been brutalized often in its history. Despite all this, we see today a people of great resilience who cherish the values that America holds most dear:  democracy, freedom and opportunity. We see a people of kindness and hope – a people who continue to honor the religious tradition established by their first ruler, King Saint Stephen, one thousand years ago.  Hungary stands beside the United States in promoting freedom and democracy, not alone in the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq, but in advocating freedom of the press, human rights and the rule of law throughout Central and Eastern Europe and beyond. And it is a nation as well that has welcomed our market based economic system. Great American companies, including General Electric, Alcoa, and IBM, have established important bases in Hungary and now are expanding these bases. As Secretary Rice put it so well in her remarks celebrating the 1956 revolution: “Today the nation of Hungary is a model for all the world of the security and the prosperity and the success that come with freedom and democracy.”

My prayer is that others might find the inspiration that has come to my family from the people and history of Hungary.