Ambassador April H. Foley

Remarks at the 1956 and Hungary Conference

Italian Institute of Culture, Budapest
September 28, 2006
(as delivered)

Ambassador Foley at the exhibit organized parallel to the Conference.

Fellow Ambassadors, Distinguished Representatives of the Hungarian government, honored guests, ladies and gentlemen, welcome.

Thank you Ambassador Spinelli, the Embassy of Italy, and the Italian Institute of Culture for organizing the moving displays and exhibits we are viewing here this evening. It is a pleasure to join with our colleagues in sponsoring tonight's concert.

All the conference sponsors and participants deserve recognition. What an exceptional event!

We are all here to honor the fierce convictions of the Hungarian people in the quest for freedom.

This morning as I listened to President Sólyom, I recalled what President Bush said after his meeting with Prime Minister Gyurcsány last year:

"1956 says to us, [that] there are key moments in history, when ordinary citizens are willing to defend the right for all to be free."

This conference has gathered together some of those citizen heroes and their family members, eyewitnesses, who preserved the memory of those remarkable events.

Also with us are representatives of organizations and civic leaders, who are committed to keeping the lessons of '56 alive.

The world was mesmerized by the brave Hungarians of 1956. We were enthralled, frightened, and saddened, and, ultimately, we were inspired.

The countries and organizations represented here today responded to the events of 1956. Together we helped some two hundred thousand Hungarian men, women and children find new homes and make new lives.

Together, we also helped the millions of Hungarians who remained in their homeland.

Tens of thousands of Hungarians came to the shores of the United States, put down roots and started new lives and new businesses. They became part of America, and made huge contributions there.

Today, the lessons of 1956 inspire new generations.

Hungary now supports the freedom of others – from the Balkans to Afghanistan to Iraq and beyond.

Hungary's International Center for Democratic Transition is a co-sponsor of this conference. They are working to share the experience of Hungary and other democratic nations. Countries seeking help with their transition to democracy now have a model and a partner in Hungary.

Earlier this year, in June, President Bush visited Hungary to pay tribute to the 50^th anniversary of 1956. As he said from the breathtaking panorama of Gellért Hill:

"The lesson of the Hungarian experience is clear: Liberty can be delayed, but it cannot be denied. As people across the world step forward to claim their own freedom, they will take inspiration from your example."

On behalf of the people of the United States, thank you to the freedom fighters of 1956. Thank you to all those who kept the hope of liberty alive. Your example is a shining beacon for those seeking freedom today.

• More about the 1956 and Hungary Conference
  
  
• Web site of the 1956 and Hungary Conference