The homeland is an irreplaceable value

István Simicskó underlined that “we, as a nation, have a future" as long as there are young Hungarians who choose the military career and would even sacrifice their lives to defend the country according to their oath.

The minister also noted that the commemoration of the foundation of the Hungarian state is at once a celebration of our Christian faith. He said that the only thing that can take us forward is the Christian faith we received from Saint Stephen.

István Simicskó noted that it seems that “Brussels is giving up its faith and losing its foundation".

The minister of defence emphasized that in order for us to be able to preserve Hungary for our children and grandchildren, and ensure that they can live here as Hungarians, the borders of the country must be protected and action must be taken against threats such as mass illegal migration and terrorism.

As the minister noted, King Saint Stephen, the founder of the state is a canonized saint even in the Eastern Orthodox Church, which also shows how lasting his accomplishment is. He said that the king’s Admonitions to his son, Emeric, show the way to the present generation, today’s Hungarians. “The first three admonitions concern the importance of faith and keeping faith, and the fourth one is about valiant soldiers who defend the homeland", István Simicskó explained, pointing out that we must esteem our soldiers in all eras.

Addressing the officers taking their oath, the minister of defence said that the government of Hungary has realized that the strengthening of the morale, combat readiness and defence capabilities of the Hungarian Defence Forces is an essential task. This work has started, and after 25 years the Hungarian Defence Forces will set out on the path of development once again, István Simicskó stated.

This year 92 officer cadets took their military oath. As part of this, continuing the Ludovika tradition revived in 2011, they confirmed their oath by drawing their swords and shouting “For the homeland unto death!".

The officer commissioning ceremony was attended by President of Hungary János Áder, Chief of Defence Gen. Tibor Benkő, several representatives of the government, the military and the diplomatic corps, as well as hundreds of visitors, despite the rainy weather.

Photo: Tünde Rácz