Ambassador George H. Walker

Statement on the Occasion of Hungary's National Day, August 20, 2004

The people of the United States take great pleasure in expressing congratulations to the people of Hungary on their National Day. This day celebrates St. Stephen, Hungary's national leader and first king. It was this celebrated man who founded the state of Hungary and who helped establish here the values honored and cherished by both of our countries.

The people of the United States will never forget the bravery and courage of the people of this land. . .qualities so conspicuous in the 1848 Revolution and again in 1956. It was the love of freedom and the respect for the dignity of every human being that precipitated these revolutions. The American Revolution and our Declaration of Independence in 1776 are testimony to the same values, the same commitments.

Hungary's National Day provides us with another opportunity not only to salute the gallant people of this Republic, but also to express admiration for all that Hungary has accomplished since the Iron Curtain came down in 1989. The world has taken note of your democratic institutions, your thriving market economy, your participation in the war against terror, and your support for the peoples of the Balkans, Afghanistan and Iraq. Your decisions to join NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004 were important steps towards more security and greater prosperity.

The relationship that exists between Hungary and the United States is a vibrant one that is stronger today than ever before. On the occasion of your National Day, we would like to express our appreciation to the people of Hungary for fostering this partnership.