August 20 – HR minister hands out state awards

Human Resources Minister Miklós Kásler and state secretary Bence Rétvári on Friday handed over state awards to artists, actors, doctors, scientists and academics on the occasion of Hungary’s August 20 national holiday.

In his speech to the ceremony, Kásler said that in their studies of “nature, man, ideas and the arts”, the recipients had “discovered new paths and approaches in the empire of ideas”, science and culture.

The minister thanked the 75 recipients on behalf of the nation and the government for their service to their country and contribution to its progress.

Turning to the upcoming national holiday, Kásler said Hungary’s founder, King St. Stephen, had set out Hungary’s place in Europe and the world. He said it was that foundation which had lifted Hungary “to the height of secular power for centuries” and was the foundation “on which we could always build during our centuries of affliction, distress and martyrdom”.

Photo: MTI/Szigetváry Zsolt

The award recipients were presented with the Knight’s Cross, Officer’s Cross and Medium Cross of the Order of Merit of Hungary as well as the Master of Folk Art and Young Master of Folk Art awards.

Source: MTI