The Hungarian Revolution of 1956 was the first domino in a series of domino-effect events that led to the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the fall of Soviet communism. What really happened? What were the politics behind the politicians? What are the implications of this historic event and how are they manifested in current affairs and conflicts around the world? 
These questions and more were answered on Saturday, October 21, 2006 when the Cleveland Hungarian Revolution 50th Anniversary Committee (CHR50) hosted a daylong event to commemorate, reflect upon and celebrate the Revolution. The events included an intense, 3-part series of panel discussions for the academic, political science and historically minded person. Panelists are experts in their fields from across the United States and Hungary.The Festival of Freedom included performances and exhibits in the Wolstein Center at CSU. Hungarian organizations exhibited and there were also displays from school children's projects. 
Wilma Smith addresses the crowd
Congressman Tom Lantos speaking to the crowd.
Congressman Tom Lantos (CA) is the only Holocaust survivor ever to serve in the US Congress. He served from 1981 till his death in 2008. The American Hungarian Federation recognized Congressman Lantos for his "Leadership in Support of Democracy, Human Rights and Minority Rights in Central and Eastern Europe,” awarding him the organization's highest award the "Col. Commandant Michael Kovats Medal of Freedom" at the October 19, 2005 Congressional Reception commemorating the 49th Anniversary of the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. He said, "It is only in the United States that a penniless survivor of the Holocaust and a fighter in the anti-Nazi underground could have received an education, raised a family, and had the privilege of serving the last three decades of his life as a Member of Congress. I will never be able to express fully my profoundly felt gratitude to this great country." 
Congressman Tom Lantos and his daughter Annette
Danny and Kathy Vegh
Event co-chair John Juhasz
Congressman Dennis Kucinich and August Pust PhD
Model UN Students representing Hungary
(clockwise from bottom left) Andrew Tesler,Dominic Lamirand, Connor Dague and Jessica Munczenski
Judy Osvath (right) in traditional Transylvanian costume
Marek Jan Chodakiewicz PhD, author and lecturer, Professor of History Institute of World Politics
Margaret Csolty and Barbra Grayer
Csardas dancers Candice Kish and Melissa Dial
Beth Dane - Serana Polish Folk Ensemble
Henry Cameron - Serana Polish Folk Ensemble
Stephen Agoston and Bela Gazdag
Mary Lou and John Uray
Kate Uhlir with Baloth family. Mom Diana, Dad Steven, twins Zakary and Andrew and cousin Micah Baloth
Bruno Thut - at age 19 was a youth leader in support of Hungarian refugees in Switzerland
Lithuanian Svyturys Dance Group - Nick Hallal, Tadas Sirvinskas, Matt Hallal, Andrew Stungys
Cleveland Clinic research Scientist Steven Reger, PhD
1956 Eyewitness.
Eszti Pigniczky Hungarian dancer in full costume
Artist Emery Bogardy
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