Anniversary of 1956 uprising celebrated in Hungary

The national red-white-green flag of Hungary was hoisted in front of the Parliament building in downtown Budapest this Friday as part of a state commemoration marking the anniversary of the anti-Stalinist uprising that began on October 23, 1956.

The flag-raising ceremony was attended by House Speaker László Kövér, Hungarian military chief of staff Tibor Benkõ and diplomats. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and President János Áder were not present as they were abroad.

A series of commemorations and programs was held across the country during the day to pay tribute to heroes of the failed revolution and freedom fight.

Lajos Kósa, group leader of the ruling Fidesz party in parliament said in Debrecen, eastern Hungary, that Hungarians in 1956 were not reluctant to protect their country; similarly “we must not falter: we must protect Hungary, Europe, and European values.”

Former PM Ferenc Gyurcsány, now head of the opposition Democratic Coalition said in Budapest that freedom can only become reality for many if it is matched with the possibility of advancement, He added that Hungary is now a free and independent country and the ideas of 1956 are alive in this sense, but those who joined the demonstrations on October 23, 1956, wanted more than that, they demanded a better life - something people strive for in today's Hungary, too.