For Your Freedom And Ours: Budapest '56
The Pole and the Magyar like brothers stand
Whether with sword or with goblet in hand.
Thus went the old adage, and in the autumn 1956, the rhyme proved true to its words. The anti-communist riots in the Polish city of Poznan sent shockwaves throughout Europe and a demonstration of solidarity in Budapest on 23rd October soon spiralled into an all-out rebellion on behalf of the Hungarians. Democracy was declared and political prisoners freed.
When the Russian tanks rolled into Budapest two weeks later all hell broke loose. Thousands were to die in the clashes. Tragically for the Hungarians, the Russians triumphed.
In spite of their own problems, the Poles managed to send over a quarter of the entire world aid that came to Hungary, including blood transfusions to the injured. The Hungarians have not forgotten, and over the last week, numerous events in Poland and Hungary have commemorated the struggles of that generation.
A plaque has been unveiled at Cracow Polytechnic in tribute to the Student Revolutionary Committee, the group that led the Polish aid to Hungary. This ceremony was followed by a major Hungarian event at the Slowacki Theatre, where medals were bestowed on outstanding Poles. A vivid exhibition is currently on display at the foot of the Royal Castle.
The focus will now move to Budapest itself, where veterans and politicians have gathered from across the world. Marta Urbanska, whose father Stanislaw was one of the leaders of the Polish Aid Mission to Hungary, notes that until 1990, the events of 1956 could only be discussed behind private doors. However, on the nature of the Polish-Hungarian actions she is resolute. "It was a classic instance of the old Polish quest 'for your freedom and ours', and an expression of a true brotherhood.'"