FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 15, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: ‘Hungary is a Model in the Fight for Freedom’

Washington, D.C. – House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi delivered the following remarks this evening at a ceremony in the Capitol in recognition of Hungary’s contributions to global democracy and the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution:

“We come together to celebrate the fully democratic Hungary of today, and the imagination and sacrifice of the millions of Hungarians who made it so.

“The roots of Hungarian democracy stretch back more than 150 years, when Hungary was ruled from afar by the tyrannical emperor of the Austrian Hapsburg Empire.  But on this day – March 15 – in 1848, the man who is known as the father of Hungarian democracy, Louis Kossuth, led the Hungarian people in a revolt.  For a time, the freedom fighters held back the Austrian Army – until neighboring Russia joined the war in opposition.  Kossuth was taken as a political prisoner, and the movement for freedom was brutally crushed.  But the seeds for independence had been sown. 

“A bust of Louis Kossuth lives just below us, in this building – the capital of our democracy – as a testament to the significance of that uprising.  Today, on the 148th anniversary of that struggle and Hungary National Day, we stand with all of those who worked for freedom, in Hungary and throughout the world. 

“Kossuth spent the next three years imprisoned, until a Senator from Mississippi, Henry Foote, convinced the United States Congress to intervene for Kossuth’s release, and to bring him to America.  When Kossuth arrived at New York’s Staten Island, he was greeted with a 31-gun salute – one for each of the states in the union at the time.  He addressed the large crowd that welcomed him with the English he had learned from studying Shakespeare and the Bible while in jail. 

“It was on that day that the Mayor of New York termed Louis Kossuth ‘the enlightened representative of Hungarian independence, the champion of human progress, and of universal freedom.’ 

“The words of the Mayor describe one of Hungary’s great freedom fighters.  But they could also be used to describe another native-born Hungarian – now an American by choice – who has made similar contributions to the plight of those without freedom – my esteemed colleague, Congressman Tom Lantos.  How many times has he risen on the floor of the House?  How many letters has he written?  How many trips has he taken to free those who are imprisoned because of their fight for freedom? 

“I am proud to join Congressman Lantos in serving the city of San Francisco, but his impact goes far beyond our city, beyond our nation, to the entire world.  In his leadership on issues relating to human rights, freedom, and independence, he is joined by his wife Annette Lantos.  We are also eternally grateful to her as well.  Thank you, Annette.

“While he was a teenager, Hungary was occupied by Nazi Germany.  At great personal risk, Tom Lantos joined the anti-Nazi underground and later was taken prisoner in a Nazi labor camp.  He is the only Holocaust survivor to serve in the Congress of the United States.  He uses his experience to work so that others will not suffer similarly. 

“Congressman Lantos is a world-recognized expert on human rights.  He is the founder and Chair of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus and a fierce advocate for politically imprisoned people everywhere.  Committed to a creating a fair and just world, Tom Lantos is a voice for those who have no voice, for people who have no hope, for people yearning to be free.

“Hungary continues to be a gift that keeps on giving to the United States and to the world as a model in the fight for freedom, the great legacy that it has given us, and the many wonderful Hungarian-Americans, chief among them, Tom and Annette Lantos.

“Anyone who cares about freedom, liberty, human rights, and respect for human dignity owes a great debt of gratitude to Tom and Annette, and in turn to Hungary – their inspiration.  They are model Americans, because of their deep respect for their heritage and patriotism for America.

“So on this day, as we honor the 148th anniversary of Hungarian independence and we recognize the leadership of Louis Kossuth, it is with great pride for many of us in Congress to call Tom Lantos our colleague.  Thank you.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi