Good afternoon, everyone.
It is a great honor for me to participate in this moving reunion with you and your families – and to celebrate with the American liberators who set you free! I am so proud of our American soldiers! True heroes!
I have read a great deal about the events of Friday, the 13th of April in 1945. Surely a reason for Friday the 13th to be considered a lucky day for all of you ever since! It is incredible that you have survived some of the most terrible things that mankind has ever wrought. This past Thursday, I was at the Páva utca Document Center, and lit candles. We must never forget.
Today, when I look over the list of all those who were liberated by Lt. Frank Towers and his men, I am inspired by what you have accomplished in your lives. The professions you have entered, the good you have done for others in medicine and research and music and teaching and creating, and manufacturing goods. It is extraordinary what you have contributed to Hungary and to the other countries where you have lived since 1945. I am saddened by the realization of what was lost – THINK of what poetry wasn’t written, what cures were not discovered, what music wasn’t composed! But I rejoice that you have lived your lives with honor and dignity and made your descendants proud.
Mr. Shmuel – where are you? – you are 92 years old and you flew in from Israel this morning to be with us for today’s reunion. What a wonderful life you have lived since your liberation. You fathered 5 children, have 24 grandchildren and 33 GREAT grandchildren! Today I wish many blessings on you and your family and on all of the Liberators and the Survivors. I am blessed to have met you.
Thank you.
