December 8, 2006

Governor Pataki, Senator Hagel at the Hungarian American Coalition’s 15th Mikulas Dinner Hosted by the Ambassador

 Senator Chuck Hagel  Delivers  Keynote Address 
at Coalition’s 15th Annual Mikulas Dinner;
Gov. George Pataki addresses guests celebrating the Coalition’s 15th Anniversary

On December 8, members of the Hungarian American Coalition and their guests attended the traditional Mikulás Dinner hosted by His Excellency Mr. András Simonyi and Mrs. Simonyi at the Hungarian Embassy. Coalition President Maximilian Teleki, who also served as Master of Ceremonies, greeted the distinguished gathering.  Ambassador Simonyi spoke about the enduring significance of the transatlantic alliance, the close relationship between Hungary and the United States, and highlighted this year’s special commemorations of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, held in the State Department, the Congress, during President Bush’s visit to Hungary, and the recent White House showing of the film "Children of Glory."

Senator Hagel, Ambassador Simonyi and Governor Pataki

 

Mr. Teleki introduced Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, who was the evening’s keynote speaker.  Sen. Hagel provided an overview of developments in foreign policy focusing on the common interests of Hungary and the United States and highlighted the bravery of the Hungarian freedom fighters of 1956 against Soviet tyranny. He praised the Coalition’s work of the past 15 years, and the important role the Coalition plays in our community and the United States. 

Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska

 

After dinner, Mr. Teleki gave a brief overview of the Coalition’s activities in 2006 and then introduced Gov. George Pataki.  The Governor spoke eloquently about the quest for freedom that was instilled in him by the experiences of his family, which migrated from Hungary to New York, and stated that „Americans and especially Hungarian Americans have a moral obligation to ensure that Hungarians living beyond Hungary’s current borders enjoy the same freedoms and have the same opportunities we enjoy here in the United States, and which Hungarians living within Hungary enjoy. This is our task!”  The Governor saluted the Coalition’s advocacy work, and praised with great eloquence Hungary’s valiant struggle for freedom in 1956.

 

Ambassador Simonyi

 

The Coalition presented an award to The Hungarian Human Rights Foundation (HHRF), on the occasion of the foundation’s 30th Anniversary; and an award to Congressman Tom Lantos for 25 years of dedicated service in Congress and on behalf of Hungarian minorities in Central Europe.

Maximilian Teleki, President of the Hungarian American Coalition

 

The evening closed with beautiful performances by pianist Ms. Julia Hámos, daughter of Zsuzsa and László Hámos; and by Ms. Charity Tillerman-Dick, granddaughter of Congressman and Mrs. Tom Lantos, who sang Christmas carols in Hungarian and English. 

Rep. Tom Lantos' daughter accepting HAC's Award for "25 years of Service and Fighting for The Rights of Hungarian Minoriities Living in Central Europe" - from László Hámos, (HAC Board Member and President of the Hungarian Human Rights Foundation) and Max Teleki (HAC's President)

 

The Coalition’s weekend activities began on Friday, December 8, with the traditional White House Briefing, attended by a delegation of about 25 Coalition members and guests, which this year was held at the Department of State. On December 9, 2006, the Hungarian American Coalition (Coalition) held its 15th Annual General and Board Meetings at the Kossuth House in Washington, DC.  Helen Szablya, Board Member of the Seattle-Pecs Sister City Association, took over the rotating Chairmanship of the organization, and the Board elected Balázs Somogyi of Connecticut, as Rising Chairman for 2008.

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The Hungarian American Coalition is a nationwide non-profit organization that promotes public understanding of issues of Hungarian American interest.