New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

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Proclamation

Whereas, the citizens of the Empire State have a longstanding tradition of acknowledging significant milestones and events of great importance in history and, therefore, we are proud to join with the Hungarian community both here in New York State and worldwide to commemorate the 51st anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight; and

Whereas, throughout the history of mankind, the cause of freedom has been the single most compelling and important objective of nearly every conflict among nations, religions, and political ideologies, and its fundamental relevance to the success of any country is witnessed in the legacy of Hungary, its people and a wonderful culture spawned by ideas that are the outgrowth of a free and progressive society - the events that unfolded 51 years ago in Budapest on the evening of October 23, 1956 are remembered for their profound influence on the history of this great country as they inspired the national pride of the Hungarian people that burns strongly today; and

Whereas, a group of students gathered to call for a peaceful demonstration against the Communist regime and its repressive policies, and they were joined by 200,000 of their fellow citizens in a march for national independence and democracy; tragically, their calls for justice were met by gunfire, as courageous Hungarians battled highly trained Soviet soldiers armed with state-of-the-art weaponry until reinforcements arrived from Moscow and the uprising was suppressed; and

Whereas, the global community of humankind has never forgotten the thousands of men, women and children who died fighting in the streets, the thousands who were imprisoned and executed, or the thousands of others who were forced to flee their homeland, many of whom found refuge in the United States of America, especially here in New York State; and

Whereas, anyone who has a love of country and freedom can certainly identify with the Hungarian Freedom Fighters, whose spirit remains one of the greatest examples of human courage the world has ever seen, as their unrelenting commitment to justice, liberty and human rights - despite overwhelming odds - was a defining moment in the lives of millions around the world and so significant that we are compelled to remember the noble example of the Hungarian people each year as we observe the anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, hereby proclaim October 23, 2007 as the 51St Anniversary Of The 1956 Revolution And Freedom Fight In Hungary Day in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this fifteenth day of October in the year two thousand seven.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor