May 4, 2007

HUNGARIAN AMERICAN COALITION HONORS FORMER AMBASSADOR GEORGE HERBERT WALKER III


The Hungarian American Coalition (Coalition) hosted its Annual Gala Benefit at the Decatur House in Washington, DC to honor the accomplishments of Ambassador George Herbert Walker III, who served as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Hungary from 2003 to 2006.
 

The honoree, Ambassador Walker (in middle), with Ambassador Simonyi and Coalition Chair Emerita Edith Lauer


Mrs. Andrea Lauer Rice, Vice President of the Coalition, welcomed the distinguished audience, including the Ambassador's wife, Mrs. Carol Walker, their family members and friends, as well as Ambassador András Simonyi and Mrs. Náda Simonyi, H.E. Mr. János Horváth, Member of the Hungarian Parliament and Mrs. Linda Horváth, Dr. Lee Edwards, Chairman, Victims of Communism Foundation and Mrs. Lee Edwards, Mr. Philip T. Reeker, former Deputy Chief of Mission, US Embassy, Budapest, and Mrs. Solveig Reeke, Mr. Karl Altau, Director of the Joint Baltic American National Committee, and many Coalition Board members who came from all over the United States.
 

The Coalition's special award to Ambassador Walker


The event was co-chaired by three outstanding business leaders from St. Louis, Missouri: Mr. Michael Neidorff, CEO of Centene Corp., Mr. Julius Joe Adorjan, Honorary Consul General for Hungary in St. Louis, and Mr. Zsolt Rumy, CEO of Zoltek Corporation. In his remarks, Mr. Neidorff described the outstanding contributions his good friend, Ambassador Walker has made in both business and non-profit spheres in Missouri. 
 

Ambassador Simonyi greeting his friend, the honoree


Coalition President Maximilian Teleki delivered the keynote speech recognizing Ambassador Walker.  He described Ambassador Walker as someone who "has been unusually even-handed in building official and personal ties, and in giving advice when it was sought, to both the government coalition and members of the opposition in Hungary. Throughout his service, he has demonstrated the best of American character: fairness and openness; a genuine interest and willingness to help others; and a sincere desire to find solutions to difficult problems.  Ambassador Walker also recognized that in this historically and culturally complex area of the world, enforcing internationally recognized national minority rights takes on keen importance. These rights, after all, are in the best traditions of American foreign policy, and the very touchstone of any society that calls itself fair, democratic and free. Ambassador Walker's genuine sensitivity and thoughtfulness regarding the historic Hungarian communities in East and Central Europe well served our interests in promoting democracy in the region."
 

All the speakers emphasized what an important role Mrs. Carol Walker has played


The Coalition's special award was presented by Maximilian Teleki and Mrs. Edith Lauer, Chair Emerita, with the following inscription: "In appreciation of George Herbert Walker III, Ambassador to Hungary, 2003-2006, for representing the best traditions of the United States in supporting the forces of freedom, democracy and solidarity for the benefit of the American and Hungarian nations, and whose record of service and integrity has earned the enduring gratitude of Hungarian-Americans."

Ambassador András Simonyi greeted the honoree, his friend and former counterpart as Ambassador to Hungary. He described the close friendship and cooperation that evolved between them from 2003 and praised Walker for his leadership, commitment and relentless energy. Ambassador Simonyi said he had learned tremendously from Ambassador Walker and highlighted the important role Mrs. Carol Walker has played in his Ambassadorial achievements.
 

Ambassador Walker, Coalition President Maximilian Teleki and George Dozsa, HRFA and HAC Board Member
 

In his acceptance speech, Ambassador Walker acknowledged Mr. Teleki's leadership and the Coalition's work, in strengthening ties between the US and Hungary, which he said were of vital importance. Ambassador Walker also mentioned the 5 million Hungarians living beyond the borders of Hungary as a result of "that obnoxious treaty of Trianon which unfairly burdened the Hungarian people and still does to this day." And he added that today, Hungary is member of a strong and united Europe, and a trusted member of the transatlantic alliance ensuring a prosperous future for generations to come.
 

Hungary's President, László Sólyom, and former US President, George Herbert Walker Bush, saluted Ambassador Walker in letters sent to the Gala Dinner participants.
 

Ambassador Simonyi and Mrs. Náda P. Simonyi at the Gala