“The Security Guaranteed By The Defence Forces Is The Basis Of Everything”

The ceremony that was based on a military scenario began with the historic flags marching in, and continued with the address of the defence minister on the occasion of the anniversary of the first day of the revolution and freedom fight.

Imre Szekeres began his address with speaking about the first anniversary of March 15, 1848. "What was it that made this day so important that already in 1849, people believed it had to celebrated worthily? It was the will to act together, the power of union, acting as one, a great Hungarian dream, and the birth of freedom that made it a great day," said the minister. "That 15th of March 162 years ago has changed Hungarian history. The printing of the 12 points of the revolution and the Nemzeti dal (a poem by Sándor Petõfi) opened a new period in the life of the country, the nation. The power bowed to the demands: they abolished censorship, guaranteed press freedom and equality before the law, established a responsible government, and the parliament. The foundations of what is now typical of the European Hungary were laid by our predecessors on March 15, 1848," said Imre Szekeres, who emphasized: on March 16, 1848, upon the call of prime minister Lajos Batthyány for recruitment, the defence forces were also established.

"The Hungarian Defence Forces, which are the protectors of our most important values, the token and guarantee of our safety, was established in those days. That call for recruitment 162 years ago would not have been effective without the response and cooperation of society. And it is the same today, when the defence forces receive a high level of support from society, and people know and recognise the voluntary army, the soldiers," said Imre Szekeres. "Today we tend to say that we are living in difficult times. But let us confess: since 1848, there have been several periods when our life was much harder than it is today. During the Hungarian Defence Forces’ 162 years of history, for the most part, the guiding principle has been the sovereignty, independence, and security of the country. The Hungarian Defence Forces have been and will be the symbol and guarantor of this."

In his address the defence minister thanked the invitees for their good performance. “This ensures that we can preserve the security of our country. We rarely talk about it, but security is like air: we only feel the lack of it when it is not present. Without security and stability there is no peaceful development, there is no economic growth. It is not an exaggeration to say that security is the foundation of everything, and it is the duty of the Hungarian Defence Forces to guarantee it. Therefore I thank the Hungarian Defence Forces, I thank our troops, civil and public servants working in the military, for their excellent performance," said Imre Szekeres. “This excellent performance indicates that Hungarian soldiers are committed to their profession and they are prepared and competent. Furthermore it also indicates that despite the difficulties, we have managed to create proper conditions in the Hungarian Defence Forces," the minister said.

Imre Szekeres pointed out: high moral standards are a concomitant of high professional standards. "This is why I think it is very regrettable if certain politicians question the achievements of the entire military with their statements. An army that is struggling with a moral crisis cannot give such an excellent performance than the Hungarian Defence Forces do. Although it is true that some people have become unworthy of the uniform. But the Hungarian Defence Forces should not be condemned if there are a few people who break the law. They cannot be condemned because the strength of character and morals of the military are excellent on missions and excellent at the dams on the Tisza. Excellent in the barracks, in the training grounds, where preparations and trainings are conducted," said the minister. "I have suspended the professional soldiers against whom legal proceedings have been taken, the dishonourable discharge procedure has been initiated, because a soldier who has become unworthy of service has to be relieved. As defence minister, I considered it my duty to have the offences investigated. The inquiries have been completed fast and efficiently. I have done this without regard to the fact that there is an election campaign, for I am convinced that the observance of the law is not a political issue," said Imre Szekeres, who underlined that the majority have understood that it is unfair to generalise, and they have also understood that we are talking about individual cases and not the entire defence forces.

“You have a beautiful profession that is full of challenges and requires creative thinking and a high level of knowledge that has to be refreshed continuously. I am convinced that your preparedness and the love of your profession give a reliable basis for the professional fulfilment of our duties," Imre Szekeres closed his address. Then the minister presented recognitions on the occasion of the national holiday and the Day of Free Press. The ceremony ended with a standing reception, where General László Tömböl, MoD Chief of Defence Staff proposed a toast.