Edited by Anna Popper
To mark the 248th anniversary of the United States’ Independence, H.E. David Jason Pressman, Ambassador of the United States of America to Hungary and Mr. Daniel Basila hosted a grand reception at the Ambassador’s residence in Budapest. The event was held in the spacious garden, richly decorated with a vibrant display of American symbols and colours, capturing the essence of national traditions. The iconic red, white and blue flags with Stars and Stripes represent the freedoms, equality, justice and humanity envisioned by the Founding Fathers as the cornerstone of American democracy.
The event commemorates the unanimous adoption of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776, when the thirteen American colonies declared their freedom from British colonial rule. The founding document of the United States, signed by 56 delegates of the Second Continental Congress – often referred to as the nation’s Founding Fathers – embodies the core ideals and principles of the United States.
Standing as the most powerful symbol of U.S. independence, the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbour was inaugurated in 1886. This iconic monument, a gift from France, was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Bartholdi, with engineering contributions from Gustave Eiffel. It embodies the values of freedom, democracy and the human spirit.
This year’s celebration in Budapest brought together hundreds of distinguished guests, including heads of diplomatic missions in Hungary, representatives from political life, the academic, cultural, and business sectors, members of civil organizations, as well as friends and partners of the United States, along with American nationals.
The commemoration began with a solemn salute to the U.S. national flags carried by U.S. Marines, highlighting profound patriotism, loyalty and reverence for the nation.
The evening featured the singing of the U.S. national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner”, written by Francis Scott Key during the War of 1812, and the national anthem of Hungary, performed by Hungarian singer, Mariann Falusi.
For the second consecutive year since assuming office in September 2022, Ambassador Pressman addressed the audience on U.S. Independence Day:
“Excellencies, distinguished guests, friends, it is an absolute honour to host you here today to celebrate the 248th anniversary of America’s independence. If I could, I would just give another hand to Mariann Falusi for her amazing performance of the Hungarian and United States national anthems.
Now, to our Hungarian guests, Mariann Falusi needs no introduction. Her Pa-dö-dő-era song, “Bye Bye Sasha”, echoed across this country as Soviet oppression retreated and freedom advanced. Her message embodied the humour, shrewdness, spunk and strength that is Hungary. And the optimism and power of her message – which was really Hungary’s message – reverberated throughout this country and the entire Eastern Bloc. It was a celebration of independence for a new generation of Hungarians, and I am absolutely delighted to have her open our own celebration of American Independence Day today.
You may look around and see people not usually included at formal diplomatic events – people like our recently returned Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) alumni program – adventurous Hungarian high schoolers who lived with American host families and studied in American high schools this past year. So they weren’t alive when Mariann Falusi powerfully bid “bye bye” to communism, but I’m quite sure they are familiar with the band that will take the stage shortly, Blahalouisiana, one of Hungary’s most successful bands of the last decade. So just as we celebrate 248 years of America’s independence, just as we celebrate what we have done, together, we are looking forward to what we can and what we must do now, in our shared future with this new generation.
I would like to begin my remarks today addressing the remarkable journey of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to Kyiv, Ukraine this morning. The United States has been encouraging the Ukrainian and Hungarian governments to engage each other directly at senior levels to work through their differences. Prime Minister Orbán’s travel to Ukraine is significant and a meaningful step. We will watch carefully to see what comes out of today’s meetings, but it is important to acknowledge that they are taking place. While we would have loved to have him and his team here today, it is far better that they are there.
I’d also like to speak to something else that I know is on many of your minds. Apparently, there is an election coming up in the United States. I know this, in part, because your Prime Minister continues to remind us, daily, of who he would like to win that election, who he would vote for if he were an American, which he is not. What he is, is the leader of Hungary, which is an Ally. We have no other Ally or partner – not a single one – that similarly, overtly and tirelessly campaigns for a specific candidate in an election in the United States of America, seemingly convinced that, no matter what, it only helps Hungary, or at least helps him personally. I’m not sure which. What does it mean if a leader behaves as though an Alliance is not between countries, but only between perceived ideological allies within them? Partisanizing a bilateral relationship is a dangerous proposition. This is especially true between Allies, especially at such a consequential time. This does not serve the Hungarian people and, along with a host of other strategic decisions made in Budapest, risks changing Hungary’s relationship with America.
The current government of Hungary may see its relationship with the United States as a “political” issue, but I assure you, the United States of America does not. The U.S.-Hungary relationship is based on the shared aspirations of our peoples – Hungarians and Americans – to live freely under democracy, the rule of law, and security. The Hungarian government would do well not to cheapen this with politics.
What binds our two nations – what has connected us since America’s earliest days when Mihály Kováts (native of the Hungarian city of Karcag) travelled to our country to help build our first cavalry that helped Americans achieve our independence almost three centuries ago, that we celebrate together today – what binds us are our commitment to liberty and the relationships between our people. People that I have the privilege of spending time with every day.
People like Árpád Rostás, a master craftsman, who has a little studio in Csepel, filled with antiques, the air thick with the smell of sawdust and linseed oil. Árpád keeps pictures of himself with royalty next to pictures with local Roma kids. Árpád spends his time toiling with old wood to give faded objects new life. Not manufacturing new beauty, but rediscovering what already exists, liberating it from layers of neglect and debris accumulated over time. Árpád is a warm and a beautiful soul. He showed me how to make a Luca stool while regaling me with stories about his work mentoring the next generation of young Roma carpenters. He ended our meeting giving me a huge hug, our connection breaking through any cultural or linguistic barriers that could exist. And this humble and devout Hungarian shared with me his dream to one day apply his craft, honed in Kaposvár, to help resurrect Paris’ charred Notre Dame Cathedral. I was so moved by this that I called the Ambassador of France. The 4th arrondissement seemed a long way away from Budapest’s 21st district, but I understand that he did finally make it to Paris, understand Árpád is now making preparations in contact with the church to contribute to the restoration of Notre Dame’s soaring arches. To renew this thing of beauty, to restore this icon of our shared world heritage.
People like the kids I met in Békés County, who also showed off their craft – not with old wood shavings, but with fresh ground meat and loud music at the Békéscsaba Sausage Festival. They weren’t too interested in politics – but they were interested in the United States. When I arrived, they threw an apron on me, and moments later I had my hands in vats of meat, tasting some – extremely – fresh sausages and drinking pálinka… at 10 in the morning… sealing my newest friendships with still more impressive Hungarians.
And actually, speaking of pálinka, the Mayor of Mohács seemed determined to ensure I had my share during the Busójárás Festival. I grew wary when we came ever closer and closer to the huge bonfire in the town square, but any anxiety was overcome with laughter as the two of us – along with thousands of Hungarians – celebrated the arrival of Spring in frightening masks.
On and on, over and over, it is the Hungarian people who make clear why America’s relationship with Hungary is important and enduring. This relationship is not premised on individuals in power; our alliance with no country is so precariously situated. “We, the people” is not about specific people in power, but rather a statement that it is all the people who hold the power, and those who govern do so on their behalf. This idea is fundamental to America and to any democracy.
Democracies have relationships with each other, not with personalities. That is where our predictability, sustainability and power come from.
Hungary’s relationship with the United States is not measured by the frequency of your Prime Minister’s political endorsements on social media, or by the amount of Hungarian taxpayer money spent on political messaging supporting candidates for elected office in the United States. We should guard against those who dare to take something lasting and strong, and risk making it fleeting and personal.
When Mariann Falusi sang “bye bye” to communists, she was heralding the end of an era in which a small group of elites wielded endless power over their subjugated population. When Árpád Rostás cleans soot off wood so we can once again once again lift our gaze to the soaring heights of human heritage in awe and prayer, he is representing what unites us. When the kids in Békéscsaba grind sausages or the Mayor of Mohács pours one too many pálinka, they are not hosting me but the United States, an old friend and a steadfast Ally to Hungarians.
Our independence and freedom as a country relies on knowing the difference between people and personalities, between principles and politics. Knowing that the former is derivative of alliances and partnerships and relationships that transcend the latter. That is what has kept America strong, great and independent for 248 years.
You see, just as no single President defines America, no single Prime Minister defines Hungary. Our democracies are bigger than any one person – or, at least, they should be – and so too should our commitments to each other. It is you, all of you, that are the heart and soul of this relationship. It is Árpád Rostás sharing his artistry with any who needs it, regardless of status or position. It is Mariann Falusi singing the song of a generation looking to a future of hope, free from the yoke of communism. It is the next generation, born in a free and democratic Hungary, listening to her perform after returning from life-changing educational exchanges in America to enrich their native Hungary and the ties that bind us. It is everyone who joined us here today.”
“Thank you for joining us for this celebration of our Independence, and of yours.”
The official part of the event was followed by a reception featuring vibrant music performances by the Hungarian group Blahalouisiana. Attendees mingled with acquaintances in a joyful and welcoming atmosphere, engaging in friendly discussions, complemented by savouring truly American specialities and beverages. The sunny summer day provided a perfect backdrop for the occasion.
Celebrating Colonel Michael Kovats, Founder of the U.S. Cavalry, on the 300th Anniversary of his Birth
“A famous Hungarian to whom American history owes so much.” – Ronald Reagan
Born Fabriczy Mihály Kováts in 1724 in Karcag, a small village in Hungary, he is known and honoured as Michael Kovats de Fabriczy in the United States. He was a Hungarian nobleman and an accomplished officer in the Prussian cavalry. After retiring from the Austro-Hungarian Army as a hussar major, Kováts learned about the American Revolution on 13 January 1777, and wrote to Benjamin Franklin, the then American ambassador to France, offering his military expertise and pledging to be “faithful unto death”. He was subsequently appointed Colonel Commandant of Pulaski’s Legion in the Continental Army in 1778.
Colonel Kováts played a crucial role in recruiting, training, and leading the first U.S. cavalry unit. He became the highest-ranking Hungarian officer in the American Revolutionary War and is recognized in the United States as a founder of the U.S. Cavalry. He fought for American independence and was killed in action on 11 May 1779, while leading an assault on British troops in Charleston, South Carolina.
Kováts’ life exemplifies dedication and courage. He rose through the ranks due to his hard work and was ultimately sacrificed far from his homeland, embodying his commitment to the American cause.
One of the Foreign-Born American Patriots “Faithful unto Death”
Americans also preserve his memory: part of the permanent exhibition at the Hungarian Museum in Cleveland is dedicated to Kováts. And across the country, a playground and square in New York City; frescoes in a church in Pennsylvania; a statue in Washington, D.C.; a commemorative relief on the grounds of the Citadel; and even a U.S. military aircraft carrier were named after him. The American nation’s oldest patriotic organization, the Society of the Cincinnati, founded by George Washington’s officer corps in 1783, is proud to possess an equestrian statuette of the Colonel Commandant.
H.J.Res.435 of the 96th United States Congress (1979-1980) – adopted a joint resolution designating 30 November 1979, as “Colonel Commandant Michael Kovats Memorial Day”.
Hungary celebrates Kováts’ heroism in 2024, on the occasion of the 300th anniversary of his birth year, by issuing a commemorative stamp depicting him, the brave Hussar with American and Hungarian flags.
This year, we also pay tribute to the 245th anniversary of Michael Kovats de Fabriczy, a national hero for both Hungarians and Americans. Colonel Kovats embodied moral clarity and courage during a pivotal time in Western civilization, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the ideals of freedom and independence. His legacy continues to inspire, serving as a significant contribution to the shared history and values of both nations and as a role model for future generations in both countries.
Source: US Embassy in Budapest
Photos by the US Embassy in Budapest, and DPA
