HVIM memorial march

The Nógrád-Gömör chapters of the HVIM organized a memorial tour, commemorating to the heroes of Balassagyarmat. In 1919, after Trianon peace treaty, when Hungary lost more than half of its historical territories, the Czechoslovakian army invaded the small town of Balassagyarmat, in the north wanting to carve out the city from the territory of Hungary and attach it to the new entity of Czechoslovakia. Hungary was practically, defenceless at that time, without army and functioning self defence forces.


Railway workers, ordinary citizens and remnants of the disbanded army just returned from the front line, joined forces and organized themselves into a ragtag group of armed militia; the group successfully attacked and driven out the Czechoslovakian army units from the city of Balassagyarmat and from the surrounding areas. As a result of their heroic endeavour, Balassagyarmat remained part of Hungary.


To commemorate to the heroes of Balassagyarmat, 64 members of the HVIM set out from Magyarnándor to Balassagyarmat. Among the participants, there were members of the HVIM from the occupied territories of Felvidék and Délvidék, as well.


The undertaking proved to be a challenge because of the extreme winter conditions but despite the harsh environment, all participants completed the memorial march. In the city of Balassagyarmat, sympathizers waited the marchers with hot tea.


The march ended at the mayor office, where a memorial plaque reminds citizens for the historical event. At the memorial plaque, László Tulai, the president of Civitas Fortissima and Gyula Zagyva, the president of the HVIM spoke to the participants.


After the speeches, participants watched a film about the historical event. At the screening, the Balassagyarmat, Salgótarján, Eger and Budapest chapters of HVIM were also present.



(szentkoronaradio.com – hungarianambiance.com)