1956 – Commemoration in Manchester

A Worthy Tribute to the Heroes of 1956 – Commemoration in Manchester

On the occasion of the 69th anniversary of the 1956 Revolution and War of Independence, a high-standard commemorative event was held at the building of the Consulate General of Hungary in Manchester. The ceremony paid a fitting tribute to one of the brightest and bravest moments in Hungarian history, when a nation stood together and said no to oppression.

“Freedom begins where fear ends.” – István Bibó

Guests were welcomed in the consulate’s hall by Lieutenant Gábor Oláh and Captain Attila Babenyecz of the Order of Vitéz. Among the nearly seventy attendees were representatives of the diplomatic corps, members of British public life, and members of the Hungarian diaspora.

The ceremony was opened by Consul Judit Várhelyi, followed by the joint singing of the Hungarian and British national anthems, which lent further solemnity to the occasion. Afterwards, Consul General László Riskó-Nagy delivered his commemorative speech, emphasizing that
“1956 was not merely a historical event, but the heartbeat of the Hungarian nation – one that still echoes within us today.”

On behalf of the British guests, Carmine Grimshaw, Lord Mayor of Manchester, shared her reflections, praising the Hungarian people’s unwavering desire for freedom and their extraordinary courage.

“Heroes do not ask whether it is worth fighting – they fight because they cannot live otherwise.” – Words of an unknown 1956 freedom fighter

The cultural programme was enriched by KCSP scholarship holders, who performed a traditional Hungarian folk dance, warmly received by both Hungarian and British guests. Following the official proceedings, informal conversation and fellowship ensued, accompanied by Hungarian wines and delicious traditional dishes – bringing a taste of home to the heart of the diaspora.

A highlight of the evening was the opening of a 17-panel exhibition on 1956, provided by the Hungarian English Cultural Society, which told the story of the revolution through images and documents. Additionally, for the first time in the United Kingdom, guests had the opportunity to see the authentic replica of the Holy Crown of Hungary, recently acquired by the Order of Vitéz – an exhibit that inspired deep respect and keen interest among those present.

“The freedom of a nation lives on where memory does not fade.”

For the Order of Vitéz, it is of special importance that Hungarians living in the diaspora commemorate the heroes of 1956 with dignity and preserve the spirit of national unity. The legacy of the Revolution is not only a part of our past – it is also a guiding light for the future: standing up for freedom and national dignity remains an eternal value.

“For freedom is not a gift, but a right. And if need be, we must stand up for it again and again.”

With respect and reverence to the memory of the heroes of 1956 –on behalf of the Order of Vitéz

Manchester, 23 October 2025

Photographs from the event can be viewed at the following link:
https://www.vitezirend.co.uk/fotogaleria