The Hungarian Revolution ... Oct. 23, 1956

In Hungary, whenever a holiday occurs on a Tuesday or Thursday, they normally bridge the weekend by making a previous Saturday an offical working day. We had another four day weekend under this scenario because of the Hungarian Revolution day, celebrating the Hungarian uprising against the Soviets in 1956. It began on Oct 23, 1956 when a group of student demonstrators attempted to enter the Radio Building in Budapest to broadcast their demands. They were detained and the demonstrators outside, demanding their release, were fired upon by the State Security Police (AVH). The news and the violence spread throughout Budapest and then the surrounding countryside, ultimately causing the government to fall. The new government imprisoned and executed Pro-Soviet communists, disbanded the AVH, proposed its withdrawal from the Warsaw Pact and began organizing free elections. After a week, the fighting stopped for the most part. At first the Soviet government announced its intentions to negotiate a withdrawal of Soviet forces, but then on November 4, the Soviets sent in an influx of soviet tanks and infantry into the region to squash the rebellion. The Hungarian freedom fighters resisted until November 10. The spontaneous revolt lasted 19 days before being brought down by the Soviets. The Soviet government suppressed all public discussion of this event for 30 years until 1989, when the Hungarians made this a national holiday.
It is only my opinion, but after living in Hungary for 2 1/2 years, it is very apparent to me the strength and resolve of the people of this country. What they did in 1956 is evidence of this, and what they have accomplished over the last 19 years post-communism relative to their neighbors to the East, South, and North East (Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine) is vastly distinct. Despite current economic concerns and not discounting the fact that Hungary is years away from true economic and political stability (certainly economic), this country has raised itself quite well(considering 45 years of oppression). The affirmation of this we can see when we have traveled to these neighboring states (and other former communist countries). The lack of infrastructure is a simple way to quantify these differences, but there is also the qualitative measurement of attitude and perceived happiness that to me may be even more indicative. While it may be unfair, as we have crossed the borders of the Hungarian neighbors, I can't help but feel a sense of unhappiness and gloom in the environment and in the people we have come into contact with. Obviously I am generalizing, but this is my perception. But there must be something to it, as each time we have crossed back into Hungary we have felt a mass overwhelming relief to be back "home". Hungary still has a way to go and hopefully they can get through this next wave of economic uncertainty that the world is facing (and Hungary perhaps more fiercely...time will tell) the same way that they have managed through their prior historical challenges (Turks, Habsburgs, Communism, etc.).