Hungarian Freedom Fighter Statue
Depicts a female freedom fighter with clenched fists to honor the heroes and survivors of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution against Soviet communism. She is based loosely on Erika Szeles and other female freedom fighters. It was unveiled on October 23, 2022, marking the 66th anniversary of the uprising. A crowd of 250, including 15 freedom fighters and their families witnessed the unveiling of the nine-foot statue. The statue is accompanied by a multi-media historical exhibit at the adjacent Millennium Gate Museum.
Hungarian Freedom Fighter 1956
To honor the heroes of 1956 who fought valiantly against Soviet tyranny and communism.
“Today we observe the anniversary of that unforgettable day, October 23, 1956, when the people of Budapest—workers, students, soldiers—rose up in revolt against communism and Soviet occupation, and for freedom and nationhood. Today we commemorate the shining example of idealism, patriotism, and sheer courage that is the immortal legacy of the freedom fighters of the Hungarian Revolution.”
Ronald Reagan
Patrons of Freedom
Charles and Catherine B. Rice Foundation
Patrons of the Arts
Edith K. and John N. Lauer
The Hungary Foundation
Gold Sponsors
Embassy of Hungary, Washington DC
Andrea Lauer Rice and Barton Rice
Silver Sponsors
Hungarian American cultural Association
Laszlo Leslie Megyeri
Bronze Sponsors
Jozsef Adorjan
The Alexovics/Udvarhelyi/Hill Families
Atlanta Hungarian Meetup
Tibor Baranszki
Dr Bela Bognar
Sandor Alex Boldizsar Sr
Dr Tibor Eckhardt
Eder Arpad Jozsef
Dr Lee Edwards
Joszef and Katalin Ertavy
Edmond Odon and Aranka Fodor
Laszlo Bela Felfoldi
Laszlo and Agnes Fulop
Eva Gabor
Luca Gero
Laszlo Hamos
Haralson County Historical Society
Drs Sandor and Rozalia Haraszti
The Kaloz Family
Dr Thomas D. Kerenyi
Dr. Elemer and Eva Kiss
Dr. Imre Latkoczy
Laszlo Latkoczy-Osvath
Lajos Macsotai and Family
Dr Janos Martonyi
Minnesota Hungarians
Kriszta Lauer Nagy and Robert Nagy
Dr Susan Papp-Aykler
John E. Parkerson Jr
P&S International Strategies LLC
Tibor Sarkady
Aniko Gaal Schott
The Stetz Family
Janos and Emmy Fozo Stubits
Elmer S and Elizabeth A Szabo
Dr Karoly and Nora Szabo
The Szekeres Family
Sandor Taraszovics
The Teleki Family
United Hungarian Societies of Cleveland
Sean Whelan
Statue dedicated on October 23, 2022
Hungarian American Coalition and Honorary Consulate of Hungary in Atlanta
Stories about this memorial
We raised over $150,000 from across the United States to create this statue. Many donors contributed to honor family members who were freedom fighters. There were 17 freedom fighters or families who attended the unveiling. As the proud daughter, granddaughter and niece of ‘56-ers and someone who grew up hearing stories about the Revolution my entire life, this statue was a longtime goal and a labor of love.
Andrea Lauer Rice · October 2026