The bust of János Esterházy was unveiled in the Szent Erzsébet park on August 6 in Szent Erzsébet tér in Ipolybalog as part of the Holy Crown Festival.
As Péter Bálint, the mayor of Ipolybalog, noted on the solemn occasion: as part of last year's Esterházy commemoration year, memorials were erected to the martyred Hungarian politician in several settlements along the Ipoly. The village of Ipolybalog will now join the ranks of these commemorations, which today will honor János Esterházy with a statue dedication - it was announced at the commemoration.
"Through Esterházy's life, all the events of the twentieth century can be told in their entirety. He lived for the community and finally gave his blood for it," stated the first man of the village.
He added: Let the words and message of János Esterházy be the bread and prayer of our daily lives. He indicated that the caretaker profession is an example for our community.
Márk Czibulya/Source/felvidek.ma
"He accepted his destiny with faith and patience all the way, his ideals of life were clear and guiding and still are," local council representative Márk Czibulya began his speech. The key to our national survival lies in faith and love of the nation. As he said: we need spiritual guides, principled and spiritual harbors.
"This statue is not only for commemoration. Let there be a warning sign, a station where we can face and talk to János Esterházy. We can ask him when our faith and perseverance in our principles and values waver," he said.
The memorial was blessed by the main celebrant of this year's Holy Crown Mass, Cardinal Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Budapest-Esztergom.
The statue was conceived by Márk Czibulya, a local government representative, and created by sculptor György Konkoly.
Bust of János Esterházy - by György Konkoly
The monument was created thanks to the effective support of the Hungarian government, Béla Pásztor, the mayor of Veresegyház, Sándor Szecsei and the Ipolybalog Parish, as well as public donations from the citizens of the village.
The monument is located in a small park along the main road that crosses the settlement. The bust facing the road can be admired by all residents of Ipolybalog and strangers passing through the village.
Source and full article/image: Felvidek.ma
