During a ceremony held in Brussels on Monday, 14 March to mark the anniversary of the outbreak of the Hungarian Revolution of 1848, Minister of Defence Dr. István Simicskó stated that “Freedom comes at a huge price, it must be fought for and then preserved; migration may radically rewrite European history if we do not preserve our freedom and culture”.

This means that we must be vigilant about common values, because otherwise culture and traditions may come under threat or cease to exist, which would put Europe’s future at risk, the minister emphasized at a ceremony co-organized by the Hungarian EPP (European People’s Party) delegation of the European Parliament and the “Magyar Hullám” (Hungarian Wave) Public Life and Cultural Association.

“Today’s migration, the migrant crisis cannot be compared to the European asylum-seekers fleeing from the wars of the 20th century. Back in those days, refugees were not driven by economic interests – rather, they tried to save their lives”, István Simicskó underlined.

He added that Hungary provides assistance to all political refugees who are willing to cooperate with authorities. The registration of those entering Hungary is necessary because the security and future of Europe is now at stake. The Hungarian wars of independence guaranteed remaining in the European sphere of culture, and required soldiers who took up the Hungarian cause, István Simicskó emphasized. He reminded his audience that these days too, our soldiers are serving along the border of Hungary and provide its security to protect the borders, culture and freedom of Europe.

During the 1848 Revolution, there were young people who realized the problems of the age and their possibilities, and did what their hearts dictated. They risked their life for their dreams, and undertook to fight or even to die.

Freedom and the future of Hungary were important to them, the minister emphasized. Through their fight for freedom, the heroes of 1848 set an example to the man of today, because everybody has something to do to protect freedom, European culture and civilization and the values inherited from our ancestors”, the Minister of Defence pointed out.

In her welcome speech, European People’s Party Member of European Parliament (EPP MEP) Kinga Gál said that 15 March is about the truest love of the nation, patriotism and courage. She emphasized that for today’s generations, the message of the National Day is that “we have a past and a future in the Carpathian Basin”.

(Ministry of Defence)