1956 Memorial

In Rahó, the victims of the 1956 Revolution and War of Independence were commemorated in a solemn ceremony that included a Mass, the national anthems, and the unveiling of a statue. The faceless stone statue, riddled with bullet holes and created by Mihály Kolodkó, which is mounted on the wall of the Roman Catholic church, symbolizes the heroism that endures despite adversity and the universal desire for freedom. Endre Szalipszki, Consul General in Beregszász, highlighted in his speech the international significance of the events of ’56 and the value of national independence, and extended a special greeting to Sándor Milován, who was present and who, as a young man, served a prison sentence for standing up for the revolution.

In his commemorative speech, Sándor Milován recalled the historical causes that led to the revolution, emphasizing that the Hungarian people’s uprising was a milestone in world history, as it exposed the true face of the Soviet terror state. Although the Suez Crisis and the politics of the great powers ultimately sealed the revolution’s fate, the Hungarians’ stand is a worthy heir to the Rákóczi War of Independence and the events of 1848–49. The commemoration concluded with the blessing of the memorial, a recitation, and the laying of wreaths by the consuls, church leaders, and civil society representatives in attendance.