’Oh, How Great It Is in the Arbour!’

The country has been celebrating the Day of Hungarian Defence since 1992. The event commemorates the recapture of Buda, which took place on 21st May 1849. In the framework of the programme series between 16–21 May interested civilians are welcome to the Nagyrét (meadow) area of Városliget on Sunday the 18th. The programme starts at 9.00 am with the HDF Central Band greeting the participants with an open air performance in Heroes’ Square. Since this year’s programme is about more than just cheerful entertainment, the General Staff will greet the Defence Forces and the troops first.

And even though the organizers didn’t forget about familymen (and included a majorette parade as well), the event is about combat capabilities in the first place, therefore martial art shows will have a prominent role in the course of this colourful day. Since national defence is not about glory alone, but – unfortunately – pain and sacrifices, as well, the simulation demonstration of the Hungarian Red Cross will be just as thrilling for the public as the other shows. Beyond the events targeting men with a military service record and boys who play hide-and-seek like they were fighting a real war, there will be programmes for small children, too, in the Nagyrét: among others, face painting, balloon ’folding’, and a clown show.

Their fathers, however, will be interested in the display of military techniques in all probability. Different types of combat vehicles will line up and all those interested will have a chance to see several types of hand weapons. It is highly likely that the helicopter show will be the most ’uplifting’ experience (literally). And having seen all that, in case someone feels he/she wants to serve the country, the staff in the recruitment tents will tell them how to enlist right on the spot, since – as the song says – ’these are good times for being a soldier’…