1848–49 Represented the Awakening of Hungarian National Consciousness

The martyrs of Arad set an example of how we should take responsibility for our spoken words, for each other, our loved ones and the nation. During the 1848–49 Revolution and War of Independence, the Hungarian nation felt that we belong together – he said, adding that this feeling of unity can help us meet the challenges facing us.

Dr. István Simicskó stated that we “can be liberals, socialists, Christian democrats, we can have all sorts of worldviews"; but we must respect our parents, ancestors and all the things they created. It is important not to lose sight of the fact that we must love, serve and defend our country", the Christian democrat politician pointed out.

According to the Minister, the creed of the Arad martyrs was courage, conscientious, responsible adherence to their beliefs and the highest level of patriotism. Besides, they recognized the problems, came to decisions  and acted accordingly.

There are some who do their duty by sacrificing their lives", he said, adding that “such were the martyrs of Arad, late Prime Minister Count Lajos Batthyány and all soldier heroes who fought for the Hungarian nation in 1848–49.

In memory of the martyrs of the Revolution and War of Independence, wreaths of remembrance were laid in the Fiume Road National Graveyard by György Szabó, Financial Director of the Office of the President of the Republic on behalf of President János Áder; by Minister of Defence Dr. István Simicskó on behalf of the government; by Chief of Defence Gen. Dr. Tibor Benkő on behalf of the General Staff; by Deputy Speaker Gergely Gulyás on behalf of the National Assembly; and by Head of Secretariat András Gulyás on behalf of former President of Hungary Árpád Göncz.

Wreaths were also laid by Barnabás Lenkovics, President of the Constitutional Court, István Kónya, Deputy President of the Supreme Court, István Lajtár, Deputy Prosecutor General, Péter Boross, President of the National Memorial and Tribute Commission, Katalin Fogarasi Radnainé, President of the National Heritage Institute, the Budapest Military Attaché Corps, several non-governmental organizations supporting the cause of national defence and the representatives of the municipality of Budapest and the local government of Józsefváros, the 8th district of Budapest.

After the commemoration, at noon, an extraordinary history class started in the Fiume Road National Graveyard. A military guard of honor stood at the Batthány Eternal Flame, where people had opportunity to light candles until 4 p.m. in memory of the martyrs of Arad.

The central programs continued at 6 p.m. in Ludovika Chapel, where a requiem mass was celebrated by military chaplain László Bíró and a speech was delivered by András Patyi, Rector of the National University of Public Service. The exhibition that opened on Monday with the title “The memory of those left behind" – a tribute to the relatives of the martyrs of Arad – is on view for the public until 11th October in 15 March Square.

Furthermore, several other commemorative events and conferences were held on the National Day of Mourning.

Photos by: Veronika Dévényi