The attachment to free, independent Hungary and the Hungarian nation has connected us, Hungarians, from generation to generation, for more than a thousand years - emphasized the President of the Republic Katalin Novák at the Kossuth and Széchenyi awards, as well as the Hungarian Order of Merit, awarded on the occasion of the national holiday on March 15 on Tuesday at the Parliament.
He reminded: Hungarians have been taught by history that they can never lose sight of the interests of the homeland. Only we can see the world and life with uniquely Hungarian eyes, he pointed out.
"We, Hungarians, let's build on what has kept us going for a thousand years: the Christian faith, the love of our nation, these are able to mark the path of the Hungarians in changing times, in trouble and in victory," he stated, adding: our past is not a museum, our present is not a a moment without antecedents and consequences. Our pride in our deep roots and cultured leaders is not self-serving self-aggrandizement, but the foundation and pledge of the Hungarian future.
Katalin Novák pointed out: we are living in times when the joint preservation and renewal of personal, family and national identity, naming and keeping timeless values can represent not only a lifeline in the midst of the raging storms around us, but also the pledges of growth.
Mechanical engineer Ferenc Anisits, the "Diesel Pope", retired senior engineer, awarded university professor, after receiving the Széchenyi Prize in the dome hall of the Parliament on March 14, 2023.
SOURCE: MTI/ILLYÉS TIBOR
Praising the awardees, he highlighted: behind their scientific achievements, artistic creations, and public service is the loyal love for their country.
"We look at you with pride and are grateful for the fact that you have earned a professional rank and reputation not only for yourselves and your families, but for us, the entire Hungarian nation."
Katalin Novák reminded the awardees of the parents who set them on their way, the supportive and long-suffering peers, and the understanding children. He highlighted: the family is our children's first school, the very first workshop that will launch new geniuses to conquer the world.
The President of the Republic asked the awardees to use their authority and opportunities for the sake of Hungary's future, to pay attention to the spiritual growth of the generation coming after us, our children, and to serve them with what they create.
"So that today and tomorrow those great Hungarian achievements can be born here, with which we pass on and renew the legacy of Széchenyi, Petőfi, Jókai, Hungarian scientists and cultural creators," he emphasized.
Katalin Novák spoke about the patriotism that has not changed in the two hundred years since the birth of Petőfi. As he said, Hungarians have been bound by this attachment to free, independent Hungary and the Hungarian nation for more than a thousand years.
He reminded: Hungarians have been taught by history that they can never lose sight of the interests of the homeland." Only we can see the world and life through Hungarian eyes - he pointed out, adding: we would hope in vain even from our allies to fight for Hungarian interests. On the other hand, what we can expect from everyone, and we do expect, is not to selfishly harm each other's interests, if we are able to speak and act together, we should do so - emphasized Katalin Novák, highlighting: this is the basis of good cooperation between nations and a good alliance, in war and both in peacetime.
Source and full list of awardees: Magyar Hírlap
Featured Image: MH
