Speech #900066378

Mr. Speaker. the American Hungarian Federation is the oldest and perhaps the most active organization among large and small American Hungarian communities throughout the country. Since its founding in 1906 it has rendered valuable and most useful service in acquainting and educating immigrant Hungarians with the ways and ideals of American democracy. It has performed this selfimposed duty with distinction and honor. helping Hungarian immigrants become intelligent. loyal. patriotic. and lawabiding citizens. It is not easy to evaluate with any accuracy the extent of aid the federation has rendered to more than 1 million Hungarian immigrants since its founding. but the fact that its useful work has extended to all communities with sizable numbers of American Hungarians. and Its services have been duly appreciated. is an indication that in many ways it has become a principal agency striving to achieve lofty and laudable aims in such communities. As we all know. the education of immigrants is not an easy task. even the best of our educational institutions often cannot perform this task effectively without the aid of organizations composed of former immigrants. They understand the problems facing the immigrants better. and they are best prepared to help newly arrived immigrants solve their problems. That is why I consider the value of the service rendered by the American Hungarian Federation of supreme importance. and am indeed happy to join my friends on the observance of the federations 60th anniversary. In recent years the federation has taken upon itself another function. one almost as important as educating Hungarian immigrants in our way of life. Its new function is that of keeping Americans of Hungarian origin constantly informed. and also the public of this country. of the sad and unenviable lot under which the Hungarian people suffer under Communist tyranny. In obtaining information through devious and difficult channels about actual conditions in Hungary. and by passing on such information to the general public through the press and other news media. the federation is performing a thoroughly worthwhile service.