As the President of the Republic of Hungary I hereby award former Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America in Budapest, April H. Foley, the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic, Commander’s Cross with Star in recognition of her achievement in developing political, economic, and social relationships between Hungary and the United States.
So declared On the 19th Day of the Month of August in the year of 2010.

     Signed by: Schmitt Pál

A Magyar Köztársaság elnöke April H. Foley asszonynak, az Amerikai Egyesült Államok volt budapesti rendkívüli és meghatalmazott nagykövetének a magyar-amerikai kapcsolatok fejlesztése terén végzett munkájáért a Magyar Köztársasági Érdemrend Középkeresztje a csillaggal kitüntetést adományozom.
Kelt Budapested, 2010. évi augusztus hó 19. napján

     Aláírás: Schmitt Pál

Laudation

Tonight we have gathered to celebrate strong transatlantic bridges - symbolic ones that connect the motherland to its faithful community abroad and those that connect the freedom loving nation of America to Hungary. If anyone, Hungarians definitely know how long it takes to build bridges. This is why it is my pleasure to address tonight an outstanding bridge builder, April Foley.

Hungary pays off a long-time debt by honoring the achievements of Ambassador Foley who left lasting footprints behind in Budapest. She has been a most charming representative of her country, with sensitivity towards social issues and good eyes to new opportunities which today define the character of our relationship with America.

The fact that Hungarians now travel freely across the ocean without having to stand in long lines in front of the US Embassy for visas is in great part must be attributed to the tireless efforts of Ambassador Foley. She realized that Hungary’s accession to the Visa Waiver Program is the single most important mission of hers - and she left the field with her mission accomplished. Since then, more than one hundred thousand Hungarians visited the United States under the Program.

It was also thanks to Ambassador Foley that Hungary became the stronger bastion of NATO forces in Central and Eastern Europe. The Pápa airbase is a solid base of our Strategic Airlift Capabilities and powerful symbol of our commitment to freedom and the transatlantic alliance.

Alexander Hamilton once said that "Those who stand for nothing, fall for anything." - as a true American, Ambassador Foley knew what she stood for. She understood the paramount importance of promoting the universal values underpinning American democracy. "American Corners" opening at university campuses across Hungary played an important role in educating today’s youth about the undying principles of freedom and liberty. Her commitment to women’s rights and active work with the Association for Women's Career Development in Hungary is also a series of success stories.

Last, but not least - Ambassador Foley never ceased to look out for ways to strengthen our economic ties. Her active role in promoting transparency and close cooperation with AmCham to foster trade relations, and her commitment to energy security are remembered as further pillars of her legacy in Budapest.

One of the wisest women in American political history, Abigail Adams, the wife of President John Adams once observed that great necessities call forth great leaders. April Foley was an outstanding example of great leadership, someone who not only talks the talk but walks the walk. I am therefore delighted to present her the Order of Merit of the Hungarian Republic, Commander’s Cross with Star.

"Az államfő szerint sokkal erősebbek azok a kapcsok, mint például az anyanyelv és a kultúra, amelyek összekötik a magyarságot, mint azok a dolgok, amelyek elválasztják. Az MTI-nek nyilatkozva Schmitt Pál rámutatott, hogy jelenlegi amerikai tartózkodása idején öt alkalommal találkozott helyi magyarokkal, és a New York környéki magyarságot az összetartozás nagyon erős letéteményesének nevezte."

Forrás és bővebb info: Elnöki Hivatal, MTI

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