FOR THE RECORD
UCC on the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution
Following is the text of a statement on the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian uprising against Soviet domination that was issued on October 24 by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.
On October 23, 2006, freedom-loving people across the world mark the 50th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution. This spontaneous nationwide revolt against the neo-Stalinist government of Hungary and its Soviet-imposed policies lasted from October 23 until November 10, 1956, when it was brutally crushed by the armed forces of the Soviet Union assisted by domestic collaborators. Thousands of Hungarians died defending their nation. Many others became refugees.
The revolution was an act of national self-defense in the face of an anti-democratic dictatorial regime which did not serve the interests of the Hungarian people but only those of the imperialist regime in Moscow.
Ukrainian Canadians bow their heads in memory of those who gave their lives for the ideal that nations have the right to live as they chose in their own countries. We celebrate the spirit of love of country and of fellow citizens which motivated the freedom fighters of '56. This same spirit was subsequently shown in other countries of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. Most recently, in Ukraine, during the Orange Revolution this spirit served as an example to the hundreds of thousands of Ukrainians who braved the threat of state violence and foreign intervention to stand up for their rights.
Canada became home to many of the refugees of the revolution. Ukrainian Canadians are proud to count their Hungarian neighbors as friends. Together our two communities became champions of freedom and democracy in countries ruled by totalitarian regimes. We stand together now in continuing to contribute to Canada and its multicultural society.
On behalf of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, I extend my best wishes to the Hungarian Canadian community. Let no one forget the spirit and example of the Hungarian Revolution of 1956!
Orysia Sushko, president
Ukrainian Canadian Congress
Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, November 5, 2006, No. 45, Vol. LXXIV
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