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Today marks the 60th anniversary of the '56 Hungarian Revolution. This day and the events of late October, early November impacted our entire family. My father and uncle fought in the streets of Budapest against the Soviet oppressors. Their father, my grandfather, lost his life when a Soviet tank shell hit the building he was sleeping in. After the Soviets sent in reinforcements, my father and uncle fled to Austria, where they were shot at crossing the border. As refugees, they were taken in by the Red Cross and eventually made their way to NY, then to Columbus OH. My mom came over a few years after them, and also seeked and received refugee status. They eventually moved to SF and LA, where my brother, sister and I were born.
To me, this date represents the underlying reason I became an American. I am extremely proud of the path my parents took. Their fight for freedom and democracy in their homeland, then forced to flee for their lives facing persecution, only to be welcomed in and sheltered in their new home, the true land of the free, America. My dad washed dishes, took on odd jobs, then entered university, recieved two masters then a doctorate degree. My mom worked cleaning homes, then taught piano & voice and received a masters degree in music. My father became an ordained minister, my mom the church organist and choir director. Their lives, through their bravery, persistence, hard work and strong faith represents to me the very core of American values. Our family will forever be proud and honored by both the fight for freedom by the brave Hungarians in 1956, and also for the new life and sense of hope America has provided us.
Just wanted to commemorate this day here on the board. Cheers, Tibs
To me, this date represents the underlying reason I became an American. I am extremely proud of the path my parents took. Their fight for freedom and democracy in their homeland, then forced to flee for their lives facing persecution, only to be welcomed in and sheltered in their new home, the true land of the free, America. My dad washed dishes, took on odd jobs, then entered university, recieved two masters then a doctorate degree. My mom worked cleaning homes, then taught piano & voice and received a masters degree in music. My father became an ordained minister, my mom the church organist and choir director. Their lives, through their bravery, persistence, hard work and strong faith represents to me the very core of American values. Our family will forever be proud and honored by both the fight for freedom by the brave Hungarians in 1956, and also for the new life and sense of hope America has provided us.
Just wanted to commemorate this day here on the board. Cheers, Tibs
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