Gergely Pongrátz
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Gergely Pongrátz (in Hungarian: Pongrátz Gergely) (Szamosújvár, 1932- Kiskunmajsa, 2005) was a legendary freedom fighter during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. He was the commander of the strongest point of resistance, the Corvin Alley (Corvin köz) between 1st November to 9th November. Under his command, the Corvin alley fighters destroyed at least a dozen Soviet tanks, and resisted several attack waves. After the defeat, he escaped and lived in American exile till 1991. After his return, he often raised his voice against the leftist governments. He founded a new right-wing nationalist political party, Jobbik Magyarországért Mozgalom (Movement for a Better Hungary), which is still active today, however, it's a quite weak political force. He was also the president of Magyarok Világszövetsége (World Association of Hungarians).
[edit] The Museum of the 1956 Revolution
Pongrátz Gergely has founded the first museum of the 1956 revolution in 1991, but it was closed in 1995, as the local authorities wished to use the building for a different purpose. He then purchased and renovated an old school building in Kiskunmajsa, and turned it into the only museum of the 1956 in Hungary. The address of the museum: 6120 Kiskunmajsa, Maris puszta 244.
Pongrátz Gergely has died on the yard of the museum, due to a heart attack. Several high-ranking state officials, including the President of the Republic of Hungary were present at his funeral.
