It is a special privilege again to accept the invitation to serve as a Main Patron of the Third Annual Hungarian Ball, or Farsang. Georgia is home to a remarkable Hungarian community that, with this third Farsang, continues a now well-established Georgia tradition. Last year, 2011, over a hundred Hungarians and non-Hungarians, including guests from around the United States and even the Honorary Consul General of the Czech Republic, George Novak and his wife, enjoyed the warmth and hospitality of our Hungarian-American community. We were regaled by beautiful Hungarian folk dance productions, live Hungarian music, delicious Hungarian cuisine, raffles, and “being Hungarian”. This year’s 2012 Farsang promises to take the last two year’s successes to even greater heights.

Now in my fifth year as Honorary Consul of Hungary for the southeastern United States, I more than ever am honored to serve as an adopted Hungarian! This past year, 2011, was an especially eventful year for Hungary and for Hungarians everywhere – even for adopted Hungarians like myself. Notably, from January 1 through June 2011, Hungary for its first time assumed the six-month rotating Presidency of the European Union, which most observers recognized as a tremendously successful display of Hungarian leadership. Many Hungarians residing outside of Hungary also took advantage of Hungary’s new law extending citizenship. Hungary also continued its advance as a credible world leader through its close economic, political and defense relationships with the United States and within the European Union during a period of severe economic challenges within and outside its borders. As we celebrated the Year of Ferenc Liszt, all recognized that Hungary’s educational and cultural preeminence remains unchallenged.

I am proud to be included in the Hungarian-American community and to have this opportunity to participate in the Third Annual Hungarian Ball. I extend to the local Hungarian community my deepest appreciation for its hard work in organizing this unique evening of wonderful food, entertainment and fellowship.