“People With Patriotic Thinking Are Still Needed Today”

In her laudatory speech on the revolution the state secretary said that by recalling the events of March 1848, we can feel how exceptional and wonderful this period was in our history. "We have always watched and read the history of heroic patriots, who did great things, with awe: they had the courage to remain loyal to their principles and aims even if they had to sacrifice their lives for them, they had the courage to oppose the ruling power, and what is more, to take up arms, if there was no other way out. And not alone, but together with many of their followers."

Ágnes Vadai added: 1848 started irreversible processes in the history of the country. "The March points were followed by the April laws and the fermenting effect of all these – despite the fall of the revolution – produced their fruits slowly, in a few years. The country transformed to such an extent that today we still consider March 15, 1848 the starting point in the development of a modern and progressive Hungary. In today’s Hungary, just like 162 years ago, there is still a need for people with patriotic thinking, who want to do something for the country, for national defence."

The state secretary also mentioned that the members of civil organizations, associations related to the Hungarian Defence Forces preserve the ideas of 1848 in a way that is worthy of the traditions, and make efforts in order that other people join the circle of those who want to do something for the homeland, for national defence. "You have proven a number of times that without you, there is no preservation of traditions, efficient recruitment, and lately, not even defence education," emphasized the state secretary, who continued with the presentation of recognitions, such as Title of Merit ’For Defence’, memorial plaques, memorabilia, and Title of Merit ’Golden Age’.

The ceremony continued with the program of the Honvéd Ensemble and ended with a standing reception where Major General István Juhász, the head of the Department for Operation and Training, MoD proposed a toast. “I believe 1848 and 1849 was the period when society united, and soldiers and civilians alike were fighting side by side. I am convinced that today there is still a need for this union. You are the organizations that realize this at the present time" – said the major general, who also thanked the organizations for their work.