Representative Brian Jack (R-GA) recently welcomed Hungarian Ambassador Szabolcs Takács to Haralson County as part of the Ambassador’s farewell tour to the United States.
Where did Rep. Jack and Ambassador Takakács visit? Together, they visited the Georgia Historical Marker honoring early Hungarian settlers and toured the only remaining home from that era.
They then celebrated the memory of Hungarian pioneers at the historic Budapest Cemetery and hosted a reception honoring Ambassador Takács at Dogwood Hills Farm & Winery.
What key figures had to say:
- Rep. Brian Jack: “I am honored to welcome my friend, Hungarian Ambassador Szabolcs Takács, to Haralson County. In the late 1800s, dozens of Hungarian families moved from Pennsylvania's coal mines to Haralson County to establish a wine-making community. They named their village Budapest after the Hungarian capital, and planted vineyards across the surrounding hillsides.”
- Continued: “Ambassador Takács' visit is a special moment in Haralson County's rich history, and I am grateful for the incredible support the Haralson County Historical Society, the Hungarian Community Church of Georgia, and the community provided to facilitate this meaningful event.”
- Ambassador Szabolcs Takács: “I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my friend, Congressman Brian Jack, for his generous invitation to Georgia, to his team for organizing this event, and to the representatives of the Hungarian community in Georgia for arranging today's visit. The place where we stand today is both a historical and sacred focal point of Hungarian-American heritage.”
- Continued: “I wish that the Hungarian Community Church of Georgia will continue to preserve and cultivate the legacy of the Hungarian settlers of Georgia, uphold the universal heritage of Hungarian culture, and continue to represent with distinction and lasting success the unique union of two freedom-loving nations.”
Further Context: Joining Congressman Jack and Ambassador Takács were: State Senator Tim Bearden (R-30), State Representative Tyler Paul Smith (R-18), Haralson County Sheriff Stacy Williams, and other local officials.
Ambassador Takács is stepping down from his position, making this his final visit to the U.S. This trip to Haralson County wasn’t a standard diplomatic visit and constituted a real effort to honor Hungarian-American heritage.
