Stars And Kossuth Sabres

The central event of the Ministry of Defence was held in the Stefánia Palace, which is now the traditional venue of the ceremony, on the day preceding the August 20 national holiday. The 20th of August is the celebration of the Hungarian statehood, the organization into a nation, and Europeanness. King Saint Stephen is the foundation stone of our national consciousness, his state-building work is the core value of the 3rd Republic of Hungary. In his address, Defence Minister Dr. Imre Szekeres spoke highly of the spirit of Saint Stephen, that determined not only our entire history but the military profession as well.

– Today we celebrate the past and the present at the same time. For Hungary is already writing its 21st century history as a member of the European Union, it provides and develops its military protection as a member of the NATO. Thus history, the history of the defence forces compels us. On the one hand to cherish the memory of the past, and on the other hand to develop the capacities of the military force. For national defence is a national cause. And there is a consensus in defence issues. Today the Hungarian Defence Forces are already on a path of development the results of which are tangible. We have every reason and right to be proud of the work we have completed internationally in recent years – said the defence minister in his speech, also addressing the young officers to be commissioned at the state ceremony.

– The passing out ceremony celebrating the completion of your studies at Zrínyi Miklós University of National Defence was a month ago. You have recently received your diplomas – the certificate of the knowledge you have acquired. But in order to utilize it in the Hungarian Defence Forces, you have to take the most beautiful and most demanding oath. The oath that nobody else but you, the forty-eight of you can take this year before 10 million Hungarian citizens – added Imre Szekeres, who also told the young officers that this year he wanted to continue the old tradition that was restored last year: in addition to the star for the shoulder marks, the new officers of the Republic of Hungary are also presented with the "masters’ insignia" of the Hungarian soldier, the Kossuth sabre with the 1848-pattern.

Those who helped and embraced the cause of national defence with their excellent work – servicemen and civilians alike – were also awarded recognitions at the central event. Among others, István Tõrös, the editor-in-chief of Magyar Honvéd magazine was also presented with a decoration, the 3rd grade of the Medal of Honour for National Defence.

At the reception following the ceremony the young officers – to whom Chief of Defence Staff Gen. László Tömböl said goodbye for only one day – could take a closer look at the sabres in a more relaxed atmophere. The general mentioned in his toast as well that they would meet again on Heroes’ Square, where there would be another formal event waiting for them: the commissioning ceremony, a prominent event of the August 20 celebrations.

After the central event Defence Minister Imre Szekeres attended the commemoration held in the Farkasréti cemetery at the graves of Lieutenant General László Sólyom and the other martyrs.