In Veszprém, during a memorial concert commemorating the centenary of the birth of Árpád Brusznyai, a martyr of the 1956 revolution and freedom fight, the President of the Republic remarked that a hero is someone who translates ideals into real-life actions.

Katalin Novák expressed that the greatness of heroes stems from the fact that, in essence, they are not different from us. People who became heroes were sons and daughters, fathers and mothers, individuals grappling with the everyday challenges of life. Their exceptionalism arose from their unwavering commitment to making the right decisions even in the most difficult circumstances, the President pointed out. She emphasized that

heroes remain true to their values even when they know that it might cost them their lives.

Reflecting on Árpád Brusznyai, the President stated that he was a ‘heart hero,’ simultaneously a hero for the nation and his family. As a husband, father, and a good-humoured, erudite educator, he spoke when necessary and acted when required. This led him to become the President of the Veszprém County National Revolutionary Council at the age of 32.

Novák underscored that initially, Árpád Brusznyai was not sentenced to death, and if ‘evil’ had not demanded aggravation, he would likely have been released with the amnesty of 1963. His execution showcased deceit, malice, cunning, and the manifestation of the distorted nature of human beings, she declared.

Árpád Brusznyai would have turned a hundred today, but he has been absent for 66 years, replaced by a story of a young life extinguished, a promising career cut short, and a decent, courageous man silenced forever. The nation lost a true patriot, Hungarian science lost a talent, students lost a fantastic teacher, and Veszprém lost an honourable character, irreplaceable within his family, the President underscored. She noted that today, Brusznyai’s name is surrounded by glory and respect, while Communists are regarded with disdain. ‘This is how one triumphs by being faithful, steadfast, and true,’ she emphasized.

In conclusion, Katalin Novák announced that her office would contribute an additional one million forints to the Brusznyai Foundation, adding to the one million raised during the event.

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Sources: Hungarian Conservative/Sándor Palace/MTI