Past Events 2008
President Sólyom Honors a Distinguished Hungarian-American
On November 12, 2008 at the Sándor Palace, President of the Hungarian Republic László Sólyom presented a state award, the Hungarian Republic's Order of Merit, Middle Cross with a Star, to former New York State Governor George Pataki for helping to preserve the identity of ethnic Hungarians in the U.S.
In the words of President Sólyom, Pataki's pride in his Hungarian heritage has given Hungarian-Americans the power to maintain their identities. In addition, Pataki has emphasized the importance of basic human rights by taking a strong stand in support of ethnic Hungarians living outside of Hungary. In accepting the honor, Governor Pataki stressed that extremist behavior is unacceptable, and that we must all pay attention to minorities threatened with discrimination.
Also present at the awards ceremony were Ambassador April Foley, Foreign Minister Kinga Göncz and Fidesz leader Viktor Orbán.