On Sunday morning in Budapest, the national flag on Kossuth Square in front of the Parliament Building was raised with full military honours to mark the 20 August national holiday.
The flag was hoisted to the sound of the national anthem by the Hungarian Defence Force’s Honour Guard, in the presence of President of the Republic János Áder. The HDF Central Orchestra and Equestrian Honour Guard also took part in the event.
The ceremony was attended by President Áder, Minister of Defence István Simicskó, Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen. Tibor Benkő, several representatives of the government, the military and the diplomatic corps, and despite the rainy weather by a crowd of several hundred onlookers.
The raising of the flag was followed by the ceremonial swearing in of new Hungarian Defence Force officers, after which an air and aquatic parade was held along the Danube, near the Parliament Building.
The programme for this year again includes a Parliament open day and a “Street of Hungarian flavours”. In accordance with tradition, the afternoon programme continues with the Holy Right Procession, with celebrations in the capital drawing to a close with an evening firework display.
On 20 August, St. Stephen’s Day, Hungarians throughout the world celebrate the founding of the state of Hungary.
(MTI)
