Congressman Brian Jack Welcomes Hungarian Ambassador Szabolcs Takács to Haralson County to Honor Early Hungarian Pioneers
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Regan Hinson
HARALSON COUNTY, GA – Today, Congressman Brian Jack welcomed Hungarian Ambassador Szabolcs Takács to Haralson County as part of the Ambassador’s farewell tour to the United States. Together, they visited the Georgia Historical Marker honoring early Hungarian settlers, toured the only remaining home from that era, celebrated the memory of the Hungarian pioneers at the historic Budapest Cemetery, and hosted a reception honoring Ambassador Takács at Dogwood Hills Farm & Winery.
Congressman Brian Jack said, “I am honored to welcome my friend, Hungarian Ambassador Szabolcs Takács, to Haralson County. In the late 1800s, dozens of Hungarian families moved from Pennsylvania's coal mines to Haralson County to establish a wine-making community. They named their village Budapest after the Hungarian capital, and planted vineyards across the surrounding hillsides. After Prohibition was enacted in the 1920s, many of the families left, and all that remains from that era is a home which once served as a Catholic rectory and the historic Budapest Cemetery. Ambassador Takács' visit is a special moment in Haralson County's rich history, and I am grateful for the incredible support the Haralson County Historical Society, the Hungarian Community Church of Georgia, and the community provided to facilitate this meaningful event.”
Ambassador Szabolcs Takács said, “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my friend, Congressman Brian Jack for his generous invitation to Georgia, to his team for organizing this event, and to the representatives of the Hungarian community in Georgia for arranging today's visit. The place where we stand today is both a historical and sacred focal point of Hungarian-American heritage. The preservation of Budapest Cemetery would never have been possible without the extraordinary commitment, time, energy, and resources invested by the local Hungarian community.
“Through their efforts, they have further honored the memory of the Hungarians who found their eternal rest here. This community and its members would by now have faded into complete obscurity had it not been for the Hungarian Community Church of Georgia and several of its devoted members. They deserve our deepest gratitude and appreciation. I wish that the Hungarian Community Church of Georgia will continue to preserve and cultivate the legacy of the Hungarian settlers of Georgia, uphold the universal heritage of Hungarian culture, and continue to represent with distinction and lasting success the unique union of two freedom-loving nations.”
Joining Congressman Jack and Ambassador Takács were: State Senator Tim Bearden, State Representative Tyler Paul Smith, Haralson County Sheriff Stacy Williams, and other local officials.
For more information about the early Hungarian settlers of Haralson County, please visit the Haralson County Historical Society's website: https://www.haralsoncountyhistory.com/budapest.html
Congressman Jack represents Georgia's 3rd Congressional District, which includes all of Haralson County. If Congressman Jack may be of service to you and your family, please visit jack.house.gov.
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