15 March in Washington: Hungary is committed to the NATO alliance
The March 15 celebrations, marking the 176th anniversary of the outbreak of the 1848-49 revolution and war of independence, ended on Friday with an official commemoration organized for members of the local diaspora at the Hungarian embassy in Washington.
Ambassador Szabolcs Takács noted that traditionally Hungarians living in and around the American capital are invited to celebrate on March 15, and this was also the case this year.
At the ceremony, Emese Latkóczy, the director and one of the founders of the Hungarian Human Rights Foundation, received the Knight’s Cross of the Hungarian Order of Merit, for her work.
Previously during the day, local Hungarian organizations held a commemoration at the Kossuth House in Washington, the leaders of the scout troop, the Catholic and Reformed communities, and the Kossuth Foundation laying a wreath at the memorial plaque of Lajos Kossuth. Péter Pál Schmitt, the deputy head of mission, laid a wreath at the Kossuth memorial on behalf of the Hungarian embassy.
Sándor Végh, the president of the foundation that operates the Kossuth House, noted that Lajos Kossuth had visited Washington in December 1851 to gain support for the Hungarian cause.
The Tisza Dance Ensemble, made up of American and Hungarian members, gave a festive show at the Kossuth House.
The March 15 commemorations coincided with another commemoration held a few hundred kilometres from Washington, at the NATO command in Norfolk, where Hungary, Poland and Czechia commemorated the 25th anniversary of their NATO membership.
At this event, Ambassador Takács drew attention to Hungary’s commitment to the NATO alliance, and said Hungary’s budget contribution to NATO serves the purpose of making the organisation a truly defensive alliance with a military force that is a deterrent, but one that is in service of peace.
The March 15 commemorations began on Wednesday in the Capitol building, where Ambassador Takács and Congresswoman Carol Miller laid a wreath at the statue of Lajos Kossuth.
Hungarians living in Washington will hold the commemorative Kossuth run on Sunday, organized by the Kossuth Foundation.
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Although Hungary is loyal to NATO, not all members are. German and Polish leaders told the world that there were European soldiers on the ground in Ukraine. UK definitely sent soldiers. Is this the end of NATO. Rutte must not be elected as the new head of NATO.
Hungary is “loyal” as long as our Politicians believe it serves their purposes. Very utilitarian and transactional.
The end justifies the means, isn´t that right @mariavontheresa
Why celebrate March 15th, a day that should live in infamy. The celebration is to remind the present generation this is what happens when Hungary allows unpatriotic people (such people that put interest of EU or west before interest of the people of Hungary) to advocate the interests of a foreign nation over the welfare of the citizens. This should remind people that Hungary, is member of neither the Slavic or Germanic tribes, it has to stand on its own feet and cannot rely on anyone. Hungary should try to achieve neutrality.