Living History: The Oldest Hussar Is 100 Years Old

All the guests were lining up to congratulate retired Colonel Kálmán Nagy, who was showered with gifts and best wishes.

Following the performance of the Honvéd Ensemble, retired General Lajos Fodor told about Kálmán Nagy’s path of life. “It were the Hungarians who had sown the seeds of the hussar service in the world" – the general started his speech, adding: “Several countries had learned the Hungarian method of scouting, raiding, and surprise attacks." The general said after the technical revolution the hussar concept became a thing of the past, for in the military sense, it became outmoded – the hussar principles, however, are timeless. When he told about Kálmán Nagy’s course of life, Lajos Fodor said the senior military officer participated in the Hungarian national defence fight from June 1944 until April 1945, when he was captured by the Americans. In 1948 he joined the Defence Forces again, and took part in the establishment of the Military History Archives, but one of the most important details is that in 1956 it was him who helped Cardinal Mindszenty flee to the Embassy of the United States in Budapest. Lajos Fodor underlined: after the suppression of the revolution the colonel was sentenced to fifteen years in prison at first instance, which was reduced to eight years at second instance – he was released in 1963. After that he was working as a proof-reader in a printing house until his retirement. The general said Kálmán Nagy has lived his whole life in the spirit of the hussars, and has kept alive this spirit with his teachings as well.

State Secretary József Bali said at the ceremony that during the Ottoman occupation Hungary became a military nation. “The Hungarian-style military evolved and the Hussar Corps were established in that period, and today Kálmán Nagy is not only the member but the role model of the hussars" – said Mr Bali, adding: in the previous decades the hussar movement has risen again, thanks to the heritage associations and organizations. “We are a proud nation, this is partly owing to our hussar past – Kálmán Nagy is also like that, he is every inch a military man."

After the speech of the state secretary, Kálmán Nagy was presented with keepsakes: the hussar officer received a decorative sword, a commemorative medal, and a crystal vase.

Following that Kálmán Nagy took his place at the pulpit and recalled the past hundred years with many jokes. He began his speech by saying that fostering the traditions and Hungarian values are one. “I am a simple man, an aging, old hussar. The hussar tradition is nicely developing in Hungary, just like wild flowers grow in the meadows" – said the retired colonel, who also noted that only those people have the spirit of the hussars who are good and whose heart is brave, who are loyal to their principles, come to a daring decision in real situations, and do not know what difficulties are. Finally Kálmán Nagy told the guests in confidence that he is still working – he is writing a book.

The event finished with the toast of Dr. József Holló, quoting from Kálmán Nagy’s memoirs of 1944. "I wish Kálmán Nagy, the living history who is a real legend in the whole of Europe, a long and happy life" – the director general closed his speech. The ceremony ended with a standing reception.