The public is invited to a remembrance of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution at 3 p.m. on Nov. 3, hosted by the N.H. Friends of Hungary and Rep. Peter Somssich. Our special guest will be the Honorary Hungarian Consul Ga’bor Garai, who is responsible for the New England region. A short presentation will take place in the lobby of the New Hampshire State House in Concord, followed by a reception and social gathering in the cafeteria where light refreshments and coffee will be served. Attendees who have either direct or indirect family experiences connected to the 1956 revolution are encouraged to share these remembrances at the social gathering.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution, but also the 32nd anniversary of the year 1989, that ended with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of many communist governments, including Hungary’s. The 1956 revolution began on Oct. 23 with a demonstration supporting democracy in Poland, but soon evolved into one demanding democracy in Hungary. During a 10-day period of battles with Hungarian Freedom Fighters the Soviet troops at first withdrew, but later returned to suppress the revolution.

Representative Peter Somssich released the following statement:

“I am hoping to hear many personal stories from those attending about their connection to Hungary, as we have in previous years,” said Rep. Somssich, who was one of the 47,000 Hungarian refugees who came to the U.S. and became American citizens.

Thousands of Hungarians were tried, tortured and executed, and more than 200,000 Hungarians (2% of the population) fled the country. The year 1989 saw a reform-minded Hungarian government creating democratic institutions, and joining both NATO and the European Union. During the 2021 session, the New Hampshire House and Senate both endorsed a resolution (HCR5) expressing concerns about the authoritarian direction of the current Hungarian, Polish and Hong Kong governments.

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