HR0575 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0575 LRB102 21877 MST 30998 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Following World War II, the Soviet Union occupied Hungary and forced an anti-democratic and brutal government upon the people of Hungary; and

WHEREAS, On October 23, 1956, over 100,000 ordinary citizens became "Freedom Fighters" and revolted against their Soviet communist government in what started as a peaceful protest but turned violent when protestors were fired upon by security police, triggering a bloody fight for freedom; and

WHEREAS, The Soviet Union launched a military counter-offense to suppress the revolt, but not before thousands gave their lives for freedom; more than 200,000 Hungarians fled their country in the aftermath of the Soviet suppression of the Hungarian Uprising, and over 47,000 of these people eventually settled in the United States; and

WHEREAS, On October 23, 1989, the Republic of Hungary declared its independence, which contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union and communism in Eastern Europe; Hungarians led the first revolt against communist occupiers and inspired other captive nations to defend their freedom; and

WHEREAS, On March 12, 1999, Hungary became a member of NATO, and on May 1, 2004, Hungary become a member of the European Union; as a former Warsaw Pact nation, Hungary has proven itself as a reliable military ally in support against the global war on terrorism and as a provider of humanitarian aid in the pandemic fight against COVID-19; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois is proud to be called home to a large number of Hungarians, Hungarian Americans, and their descendants, who have contributed greatly to the economic development, multicultural diversity, and enrichment of all aspects of life in the State; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the 65th anniversary of the Hungarian Revolution and the sacrifices of the brave Hungarian freedom fighters and the great contributions of Hungarian-Americans in Illinois, and we reaffirm the friendship between the people and government of Illinois and the country of Hungary; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we declare October 23, 2022 as "Hungarian Freedom Fighters Day" and declare October 2022 as "Hungarian Freedom Month" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Stephen Szigethy.