János Áder: Peace and Freedom Are Not Gifts of Nature
Szöveg: honvedelem.hu / MTI | 2014. március 13. 15:00“Peace and freedom are not gifts of nature, we have to fight for these values every day”, President of Hungary János Áder said on Wednesday, March 12 on a visit to the HDF Pápa Air Base, on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of Hungary’s accession to NATO.
“We said collectively no to the dictatorship that had been forced on us for decades, and we said collectively yes to seeing the future of our nation in the family of European civil democracies", János Áder stated. He also noted that all this was not without risks, “but we knew one thing for sure – that this is the only way to ensure an European future again for our country – which has been forcibly torn from western civilization after World War II – and for the whole of Central Europe."
President of Hungary János Áder in front of a Boeing C–17 Globemaster transport aircraft at the HDF Pápa Air Base
The President of Hungary also pointed out that the anniversary has a social significance as well besides its military and defence policy aspects. He told his audience that as Head of State, the Commander-in-Chief of the Hungarian Defence Forces and a father of a family, he gives utmost importance to the security of his loved ones and his country, the possibility of peaceful life. All honest and sober-minded people in Europe want the same, just like those living overseas or at other places in the world, he added.
János Áder said that history has taught us that peace is a fragile thing, and “we need not any better, worthier or more ethical reason to defend ourselves against any threats with the strongest alliance in the world". He said “We, Hungarians, like our allies, stand up for peaceful development and life". As he noted, even the greatest sacrifices made for the sake of peace pale in comparison with the devastation caused by wars. In his speech, he referred to the fact that contemporary events require a lot of sobriety, efforts and foresight in the interest of maintaining peace in Europe. This is a common responsibility, which is rooted in the present and directed towards the future, he added. He was of the opinion that we must fight for peace and freedom day after day, we must be able to defend it day after day, and we must assume responsibility day after day. This was what the governments of Hungary did when they consequently supported the accession to NATO, what the Hungarian people did when they voted for the accession in the referendum, and this is what Hungarian soldiers do during each exercise and mission, János Áder said.
János Áder: besides its military and defence policy aspects, the anniversary has social significance too
The Head of State said that, during his meetings with NATO leaders, they have always expressed clearly their appreciation, which the Hungarian soldiers have earned through their professional performance. As Head of State and Commander-in-Chief, János Áder expressed his appreciation for their achievement, and thanked the allies of Hungary.
During his visit, János Áder was introduced to the air base and the air traffic control tower, and he presented memorial coins and commendations on the 15th anniversary of Hungary’s accession to NATO.
Photo: Szilárd Koszticsák (MTI)
