November 26, 2008
OTTAWA-Her Excellency the Right Honourable Michaëlle Jean, Governor General of Canada, concluded Canada's State visit to Hungary with a moving ceremony commemorating Canada's role in welcoming 40 000 Hungarian refugees following the 1956 Revolution. This morning, the Governor General and His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond were joined by His Worship Dr. Gabor Demszky, Lord Mayor of Budapest, and over 200 guests, including Hungarian dignitaries, the Canadian community in Hungary and the diplomatic core, for the unveiling of the Canadian memorial plaque in Városliget City Park, located in the 14th district.
The Canadian memorial plaque which is located steps from the Monument for the 1956 Hungarian Revolution reads: In recognition of the 40,000 Hungarians who found refuge in Canada after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution and the contribution Hungarian immigrants have made to Canada's prosperity and rich cultural diversity.
"The tragedy of the Hungarian people, the plight of the refugees who arrived in our country by the thousands, profoundly touched Canadians. And it was with open arms, in a spirit of solidarity, out of respect for their suffering and admiration for their courage that they welcomed those women and men whose only fault was the desire to live free," said the Governor General.
This event concluded Canada's successful State visit to the Republic of Hungary, where Governor General Michaëlle Jean, His Excellency Jean-Daniel Lafond and delegates representing a variety of fields met with dignitaries, youth representatives, business people and civil society during the three-day State visit. Their Excellencies met with His Excellency László Sólyom, President of the Republic of Hungary, on three occasions to exchange on the importance of strengthening ties between the two countries.
Highlights of the visit included a dynamic discussion between Canadian and Hungarian youth workers who shared their knowledge, challenges and successes during an open discussion at the Kesztyûgyár Community Centre; an animated discussion that focused on the role of films in our society during an Art Matters forum held at the prestigious Uránia National Film Theatre, involving some of Hungary's leading filmmakers and directors, as well as Canadian delegates; and a visit to the Bombardier Rail Assembly Plant, Canada's largest employer in Hungary.
The Governor General continues the State visit to four countries in Europe with official events in Slovakia today.
For photos or video of the State visit to Hungary, please visit www.gg.ca.
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Media information
Marie-Ève Létourneau or Lucie Caron
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287 or 613-993-8158
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
