Proclamations and Bridge Illumination for 70th Anniversary of 1956 Hungarian Revolution

By Dr. PETER SOMSSICH      

New Hampshire Governor Ayotte and Portsmouth Mayor McEachern have both issued proclamations that declare Oct. 23, “Hungarian Freedom and Democracy Day”. 

In addition, the Memorial Bridge in Portsmouth will be illuminated in the colors of the Hungarian flag (red, white and green) that day.  Those who can’t see the illumination in-person, are likely to see the bridge at the end of WMUR’s 10 O’clock news broadcast on Friday, October 23.

Also, the public is invited to a remembrance of the 70^th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution at the State House in Concord on Oct.23, 2026 at 2 PM, hosted by NH State Representatives Julius Soti and Jose Cambils along with the NH Friends of Hungary.

This will include a brief event near the Hall of Flags at a wall plaque connected to 1956. In 1957 New Hampshire Governor Lane Dwinell authorized the installation of a plaque on Oct. 23, 1957, created by Hungarian artist Ja’nos Kover who fled Hungary and then resided in Milford NH.

Following comments at the plaque, there will be a reception and social gathering in the cafeteria where pastries and coffee will be served. The new Honorary Consul of Hungary for New England, Sylvia Rich, is expected to attend. 

“ I am hoping to hear many personal stories from those in attendance regarding their connection to Hungary and the revolution, as we have in previous years.”   said Dr. Peter Somssich of the NH Friends of Hungary who was among the 47,000 Hungarian refugees that came to the USA after the revolution.    

RSVP is not required but appreciated: Contact: NH Friends of Hungary, Peter Somssich, or  eMail: [email protected]   .

For Background

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution.

The 1956 revolution against an oppressive government in Hungary demanded the withdrawal of Soviet troops and self-determination for Hungarians. 

The Soviet Union responded with a massive military intervention that was resisted by Hungarian Freedom Fighters for some 15 days, before the revolt was subdued. Thousands of Hungarians were arrested, tortured and executed and over 200,000 Hungarians (2% of the population) fled the country. 

The year 1989 saw a reform-minded Hungarian government leading the way to opening the Iron Curtain separating Europeans.  Many observers credit Hungary, working together with Germany, Austria and the Soviet leadership, with triggering the collapse of communism. 

However, subsequent governments resulted in numerous financial and political scandals that resulted in numerous new elections. 

Then in April of 2026, the long serving government of Prime Minister Victor Orban was overwhelmingly turned out of office by a record-setting voter turnout.

Approximately 80% of eligible voters participated and provided the opposition Tisza party led by Peter Magyar. with 70% of the seats in the Hungarian parliament.

The new government has dramatically changed the course of the country by launching investigations into government corruption and self-dealing, recommitting to the support of NATO, the European Union, Ukraine and resisting Russian influence. 

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