November 4, 2009

Congressman Dennis Kucinich Receives Hungarian State Award at Embassy of Hungary

Ambassador Szombati presents the Commander's Cross to Congressman Kucinich

Ambassador Béla Szombati presented U. S. Congressman Dennis Kucinich the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary on Wednesday, November 4 at the Embassy of Hungary. Congressman Kucinich was presented the award for the outstanding role he played and for the efforts he made as Chairman of the Hungarian-American Congressional Caucus in further strengthening bilateral relations between the Republic of Hungary and the United States of America.

Ambassador Szombati talked about Congressman Kucinich's strong support of and intensive relations with the Hungarian American community

Ambassador Béla Szombati emphasized that Congressman Kucinich cultivated a strong and intensive relation with the Hungarian American community of Cleveland, Ohio as early as 1977, supporting their causes and helping them in their needs while being the major of the city. Later, at the personal request of the late Hungarian American Congressman Tom Lantos, he took over the post of Chairman of the Hungarian-American Congressional Caucus and supported Hungarian lobby activities to join the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Congressman Kucinich commemorated Hungarian heroism during the 1956 Revolutions in his thank you speech after the award presentation

In his speech after receiving the award, Congressman Dennis Kucinich expressed his gratitude for the high level Hungarian state award, and acknowledged the Hungarian people’s love of and sacrifices for freedom during the 1956 Revolution and Freedom Fight. He also ensured the audience that he will continue to represent Hungarian and Hungarian American interests in the U. S. Congress.

Congressman Dennis Kucinich, his wife, Elizabeth Kucinich, Mrs. Zsuzsa Szombati, Ambassador Béla Szombati

The award presentation ceremony and the reception afterwards was attended by Mrs. Ildikó Pelcz Gáll, Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly, who was attending a conference in Washington, DC; Ms. Pamela Quanrud, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs of the State Department, leaders of the Hungarian American community, such as Max Teleki, Ferenc Koszorús, Zoltán Bagdy, László Megyeri and Steve Varga, and representatives of the Hungarian media as well.

Hungarian National Assembly Deputy Speaker Ildikó Pelcz Gáll, Interpreter László Szimonisz, Aide Katalin Somfai Ádám, Congressman Kucinich, Elizabeth Kucinich