Unit Flag Donated to the Command of the Hungarian Defence Forces

On 21st May, the Day of the Hungarian Defence Forces, the Head of State donated a unit flag to the HDF Command. At the ceremony held on St. George Square, János Áder solemnly handed over the flag to Lt.-Gen. Ferenc Korom, the Commander of the Hungarian Defence Forces.

In his address the President of the Republic pointed out that on the Day of the Hungarian Defence Forces the national army and the country celebrates the bright and clear will. "The will meant to preserve the existence of Hungary. That’s what they wanted in 1848. That’s why the interest of the Motherland was put first. That’s why an independent army could be set up from scratch. A whole country supported the Honvéds, who in the spring of 1849, 170 years ago – exactly to the day – liberated Buda Castle" – the Head of State said.

János Áder pointed out that our commitment for freedom today is the same as it was 170 years ago. “Everything that happened then is not a distant past. The weapons and the uniforms are different, but the oath and the honour means the same today" – he emphasised, adding that the banner embodies our heritage. “Be proud of it! May the flag express your cohesion, and remind you of your solemn oath. Preserve the existence of Hungary! It must be strong, independent and free.

In his reply speech, Lt.-Gen. Ferenc Korom highlighted that security is the essential condition for our existence, there is no future for a nation without it. One of the key factors of this is the Hungarian Defence Forces, which can only fully perform their duties with the support of the heartland and the society.

Thanking for the unit flag, the HDF Commander pointed out that flags, patriotism, bravery are symbols of loyalty to the nation to the unit and to the oath. "We not only see the flag, but its ideological content as well. It expresses the cohesion of a community, but it also obliges every member of the organisation for painstaking working performance. Each flag is worth as much as the community, which hold their banner high. I believe that the Hungarian Defence Forces are worthy of this mission" – Lt.-Gen. Ferenc Korom finished his speech.

The ceremony continued at Dísz Square, where Minister of Defence Tibor Benkő delivered his speech at the Honvéd Monument. According to the Minister, the recapture of Buda was a victory, of which we can be rightly proud, and it is no coincidence that we celebrate the Day of the Hungarian Defence Forces since the 21st May, 1992. Tibor Benkő underlined that we could see several examples in history of the Hungarian people’s determination, dedication and commitment to our Motherland. "This is the example that should be followed by the generations now living, and particularly by our soldiers. Because this country deserves soldiers, who possess these qualities" – the Minister said.

Tibor Benkő highlighted that just as 170 years ago, so today they can feel the social and the governmental support, but this support needs to be served. "Let us be proud of it, but let us be worthy of it, too. The renewal of the Hungarian Defence Forces is of utmost importance, regarding both its capabilities, and the soldiers’ mentality – in order to be worthy to serve our nation" – the Minister of Defence noted.

The event continued with piety prayers and a wreath laying ceremony at the Monument and at the Fehérvár Rotunda, and then it ended with firing salutes and hoisting of the National Ensign at the Esztergom Rotunda.

Photos of Ensign Lajos Szabó