The American Council of Young Political
Leaders (ACYPL) celebrated its 40th anniversary last night. The bipartisan
institution has sent and received hundreds of groups of young leaders, who
later in their lives became leaders in their communities and countries.
Assistant Secretary Dina Powell spoke on behalf of the US Department of
State, as did a number of members of Congress.
Ambassador Simonyi, himself an alumnus
of ACYPL (1983) spoke about the life-defining experience he had when he
traveled the United States with a group of Hungarians. He encouraged the
United States to continue to wield its soft power. "Our alliance is
meant to bring down dictators, but our sof tpower is really the way we win
the hearts and minds of people. When freedom is granted anything is
possibble in life," he said.
He also said that "24 years ago
Hungary was still a communist country, and ACYPL's activities made a huge
difference. Today however Hungary is a close ally to the United States,
fighting side by side for freedom and human rights. Hungary is a friend in
good times and bad." He also wished Virginia Minnick, CEO Brad
Minnick's mother a very happy birthday. She turns 86 next week.
Ambassador Simonyi speaking at the event
