Dr Zoltán Pintér, Tony Youmans, Dr László Örlős, Miklós Bakó, Anna Smith Lacey, Andrea Ulmer, Maggie Adams, MaeRea Skinner
In Charleston, South Carolina, where Col. Commandant Michael Kovats gave his life for the cause of American Independence, The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon together with Charleston 250, the Rebecca Motte Chapter, the Eliza Lucas Pinckney Chapter, and the Fort Sullivan Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution hosted a memorable and uplifting event to celebrate the 300th anniversary of the birth of the Hungarian founder of the US Cavalry.
When three local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution collaborate on hosting an event in the colonial-style ballroom where the U.S. Constitution was once ratified, you know you are in for a special treat.
As guests trickled in on the beautiful, sunny Sunday afternoon into the history-filled Great Hall that once hosted General Washington, they were warmly welcomed by Miklós Bakó, a proud local Hungarian American fully dressed in Nádor hussar uniform brought from Hungary for this special occasion.The event was more than just a celebration; it was a testament to the enduring spirit of community and the importance of remembering a hero while looking forward to the future.
Convener and host of the celebrations award-winning author and President of Revolutionary Charleston Ken Scarlett kicked off the event by highlighting the importance that Michael Kovats, Washington’s Hungarian drillmaster played in the American Revolution and read Charleston Mayor William Cogswell’s letter sent on the occasion of the event expressing his friendship and support for the occasion:
“Kovats, a national hero of Hungary and a foundational figure in American military history, exemplifies the enduring spirit of freedom and the strong ties between our two nations.”
– Charleston Mayor William Cogswell
Tony Youmans gave warm welcome on behalf of the Old Exchange and Provost. In his thoughtful introductory remarks, he reminded guests of the historic role our venue played in the Revolution.
Scarlett Brissie sang the Star Spangled Banner, after which the Washington Light Infantry (WLI) one of the America’s oldest militia units performed the presentation of colors. WLI member LTC Mark McGee in his remarks explained the historic significance of the Eutaw Flag which he has graciously brought for the occasion. The Eutaw flag is the most famous battle flag in the United States, and probably the only battle flag extant that was in actual service in the War of Independence.
President of the Society of the Cincinnati of South Carolina Cal Stephens talked about the enduring role of America’s oldest patriotic organization, founded in 1783 by officers of the Continental Army. Mr Stephens observed that since its inception, the Society has been proudly incorporating descendants of foreigners who fought in the Revolutionary War.
A highlight of the event was a remarkable presentation by SC Revolutionary War Trust and SC250 Commission Member USA MG JB Burns (ret.) who gave an uplifting overview of Hungary’s military contributions to the transatlantic alliance based on his personal experiences. He also explained that the most important influence on the cavalry in the South was that of the Hungarian Colonel Commandant:
“it was Kovats who taught Americans how to fight mounted…..with dash, daring, skill and physical and mental courage….and with proven tactics in mounted warfare.”
– USA MG JB Burns
MG Burns also stressed that Kovats’ practical contributions to the American war effort had strategic importance because as an immigrant from a foreign county also struggling against outside oppression, Kovats helped the Patriots cast their efforts as Allies in a broader global struggle: “Because of their contributions to the American Army and the sacrifices made here in Charleston Kovats remains an enduring source of pride for Americans of Hungarian descent, the first to point to the US-Hungarian alliance of today.”
Hungary Foundation Executive Director Anna Smith Lacey explained that for Hungarians, there is a deep-seated national respect for the Hungarian Hussar because hussars represent more than a military formation; they represent Hungarian identity itself: heroism, courage, tactical ingenuity and self-determination. She stressed that the cause of America is inspiring not because the American Experiment is perfect, but because it is grounded in Truth, reflected in the Declaration of Independence, and that truth indeed applies to all men.
“As Americans are preparing for the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, the United States is well served to understand the stories of those who found the American cause so inspiring that, like Kovats, they crossed the Atlantic to fight and die for it.”
– Anna Smith Lacey
The event’s keynote speech was delivered by Dr Zoltán Pintér, who presented his bilingual biographical book of Michael Kovats de Fabriczy. He outlined the life of the Karcag-born Michael Kovats who served as a soldier across Europe during the Austrian Succession War, the Seven Years’ War, and the Polish independence movement, the Confederation of Bar. When Kovats signed up with Benjamin Franklin to join the American Revolution, he was ready to contribute the best of his military experience and so he did. Dr Pintér said that a preeminent trainer, recruiter, and organizational mastermind of the Pulaski Legion, his contributions to the nascent American cavalry culture were important. Dr Pintér highlighted that when Kovats was killed in action in Charleston, SC, his British opponent, Brigadier Skelly in his operations diary noted that the Pulaski Legion’s cavalry led by Kovats was the best the rebels ever had.
“Individuals like Michael Kovats, with their restless spirits, embody the shared love for freedom and unity between Americans and Hungarians, bridging the gap between the Old and New World.”
– Dr Zoltán Pintér
Concluding the event, Dr László Örlős spoke about the Hungarian origins of the Pulaski flag, the banner under which Michael Kovats fought and died in Charleston. He explained the personal connections Kovats had to the Moravian Sisters who sew the beautiful flag in 1778 which feature the Hungarian national colors: red, white and green.
“This military flag, inspired by Hungarian history and created under Kovats’ instructions, is particularly significant to Hungarians who had fought against Turkish, Habsburg, German, and Russian oppression through centuries.”
– Dr László Örlős
At the event, the Hungary Foundation and the Mihály Kovats Friendship Society presented the Old Exchange with a newly commissioned Pulaski banner, sewn in Debrecen, Hungary and a commemorative stamp issued by the Hungarian Postal Service inspired by Mihály Kovats, which will be on display at one of the most visited Revolutionary War landmarks in the South.
At the conclusion of the event, guests had the opportunity to listen to the “Kovats March” composed in the 1930s in honor of the Hussar colonel and purchase signed copies of Dr Pintér’s book.
The Michael Kovats Memorial Committee (Sándor Végh – Kossuth Foundation, Anna Smith Lacey – Hungary Foundation, Dr Zoltán Pintér and Dr László Örlős – Michael Kovats Friendship Society) would like to extend a special thank you to Ken Scarlett, President of Revolutionary Charleston 250, Eliza Lucas Pinckney Chapter Regent Andrea Ulmer, Fort Sullivan Chapter Regent Maggie Adams, Rebecca Motte Chapter Regent Katie Hyman and chapter member Deborah Scarlett for collaborating on this memorable occasion, and for making this event truly beautiful and enjoyable for all. The event was a moving tribute to a shared history, celebrating the sacrifices made for independence and the enduring bonds between the American and Hungarian people.
Charleston Mayor Cogswell’s Letter on the occasion of the Michael Kovats Tricentennial
