PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY

The Honorable

George W. Bush

President of the United States of America

WASHINGTON

Budapest, 20 October 2006

Dear Mr. President,

             It is with great appreciation that we Hungarians have read the proclamation you issued on the occasion of the 50^th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and Freedom Fight, declaring October 23, 2006 a day of recognition of those bloody yet uplifting days half a century ago. I would like you to know that your noble gesture underlining the strong friendship and ever closer ties between our nations and expressing the American people’s recognition for our heroic struggle to rid ourselves of tyranny has touched my fellow Hungarians.

             The memory of 1956, when a small nation stood up courageously against the mighty forces of a brutal communist dictatorship, will always live on in Hungary. This event of history has also acquired new significance as more and more people across the globe express the desire to live in free societies. Hungary is proud to make common efforts with the United States to help all these forces in their quest for democracy.

             I look forward to working with you on further enriching bilateral relations, achieving our common goals, and making the world a safer and better place.

                                                                        Sincerely yours,

                                                                             László Sólyom