Ambassador, Town of Herndon Honor Ferenc Nagy, Post-WWII Hungarian Prime Minister – Dedication of Plaque at His Former Home
 

Ambassador Ferenc Somogyi and Herndon Councilman Harlon Reece in Prime Minister Nagy's former home where Reece lives now

A ceremony and unveiling of a plaque marking the former residence of exiled Hungarian Prime Minister Ferenc Nagy was held in Herndon at his former home on April 26, 2008.  Councilman Harlon Reece, who currently resides in the home of the former premier, accepted the plaque which was presented by the Nagy Ferenc Foundation, the Embassy of Hungary and the Herndon Historical Society. The opening of the ceremony was marked by a violin duet performed by Michelle Crosby and Allyson Slack.

The MC of the ceremony, Tamás Holló, Vice President of the Nagy Ferenc Foundation

The dedication ceremony began with music performance

President of the Nagy Ferenc Foundation, Sándor Nagy, spoke not only of Ferenc Nagy’s legacy as Prime Minister but also of his dedication and commitment to the community of Herndon where he had lived for more than 30 years. Steve DeBenedittis, the Mayor of Herndon recounted his childhood memories of the man who gave out quarters at Halloween and added that he was proud to call Ferenc Nagy as one of Herndon’s citizens.

The ceremony's host and Herndon Councilman Harlon Reece

Mayor of Herndon Steve DeBenedittis listening to Ambassador Somogyi's remarks

Ambassador of Hungary Ferenc Somogyi said that Ferenc Nagy found his new home in the United States and therefore his memory can now become a symbol of friendship between the U.S. and Hungary.

Unveiling of the plaque by Councilman Reece and Ambassador Somogyi

Nagy Ferenc Foundation President Sándor Nagy, Mr. and Mrs. Harlon Reece, Ambassador Ferenc Somogyi

Plaque honoring exiled Prime Minister Ferenc Nagy at his former home in Herndon

The ceremony and the subsequent reception was also attended by Virginia Senator Janet Howell, Zsuzsa and Zsofia Nagy, the twin daughters of Ferenc Nagy as well as many local residents, and members of the Herndon Town Council.
 

Memories of the late Prime Minister

Back: Violinist Michelle Crosby,  Foundation President Sándor Nagy, Mr. and Mrs. Harlon Reece Front: daughters of the former Prime Minister Zsófia and Zsuzsa Nagy, Foundation Vice President Tamás Holló, the Hungarian Embassy's Press Attaché Zoltán Fehér