Today is November 4, 1956, and Hungary has awakened to a nightmare.
The Soviet tanks are back.
Only days ago, we were celebrating. The fighting had stopped. Soviet troops were withdrawing from Budapest. Hungarians filled the streets celebrating that our country was finally free.
Today, everything has changed.
Before dawn, Soviet forces begin a massive attack on Hungary.
Tanks roll into Budapest. Artillery fire shakes the city. Hungarian freedom fighters who only days ago were celebrating victory are once again fighting for their lives.
Prime Minister Imre Nagy speaks to the Hungarian people over the radio. He announces that Soviet troops have attacked Budapest with the intention of overthrowing Hungary’s lawful government.
Hungary appeals to the world for help.
Hungarians have been listening to Western radio broadcasts throughout the Revolution. They just found out that the Americans have been lying to them the whole time. They are not coming. No one is coming to help.
The Hungarian freedom fighters are left to face the Soviet military themselves.
They fight.
Workers fight. Students fight. Young men and women fight from the streets and buildings of Budapest.
But this time the Soviet forces are overwhelming.
The Revolution that began on October 23 and brought Hungary a few extraordinary days of freedom is being crushed.
For my family, this is no longer only the story of Hungary.
It is our story.
My father participated in the Revolution.
Now the Soviet forces are back, and the people who fought against them have reason to fear what will happen next.
My father has a wife and three small children.
My brothers are three and four years old.
I am sixteen months old.
Today is November 4, 1956.
The Soviet tanks are once again in the streets of Budapest.
The freedom fighters are still fighting.
The help Hungary expected has not come.
And the freedom we celebrated only days ago is being taken away.
What happens to my father and our family after the Revolution is a story I will leave for the books.
The Hungarian Revolution is coming to its tragic end.
2,650 Died. Because Radio Free Europe Americans told the Hungarians they are coming. They LIED!
85% were male and 15% female and children. More than half of those killed were under 30
But my family’s story is far from over.
The Eleventh Arrow
→ Purchase Paperback or Kindle Listen on Audible
The Eleventh Arrow: Refugee Camp
→ Purchase Paperback or Kindle Listen on Audible
