In 2024, the Michael Kováts Memorial Committee (which includes the Karcag-based Michael Kováts Friendship Society (represented by Zoltán Pintér and László Örlős), the DC-based Kossuth Foundation (represented by Sándor Végh) and the Hungary Foundation (represented by Anna Smith Lacey), embarked on an extraordinary commemorative journey across the United States.The event series celebrated the tricentennial of Michael Kováts de Fabriczy, a Hungarian hussar and Founding Father of the U.S. Cavalry. With events spanning Washington, Charleston, New York, Philadelphia, Bethlehem and beyond, the tour highlighted Kováts’ pivotal role in shaping Hungarian American connections and his enduring legacy in U.S. history.
Washington, D.C.: A New Memorial at the Kossuth House
The journey began on October 25, 2024, at the Kossuth House in downtown Washington, D.C., where Hungarian and American dignitaries gathered to honor Colonel Kováts. At the event organized by the Kossuth Foundation, a bronze relief by renowned sculptor Sándor Györfi was unveiled, taking its place between portraits of Lajos Kossuth and President Theodore Roosevelt. The relief’s blessing by the pastor of the local Hungarian community and wreath-laying by Hungarian officials, diaspora leaders, and members of the Michael Kováts Memorial Committee underscored the significance of this new addition to Washington’s Hungarian-American landmarks. An 18-year-old local Hungarian donned a Nádor hussar uniform, brought over from Hungary for the event series, symbolized the living legacy of hussars in military history. The event also included the DC book launch of Dr Zoltán Pintér’s bilingual biographical book on Kováts, the renaming of a library space featuring works by Aurél Raskó and Sándor Bodó to Michael Kováts Hall, and a lecture on the Pulaski-Kováts flag, an authentic replica of which was presented to the Kossuth House. A highlight of the event was the temporary exhibition of Sándor Finta’s equestrian statue of Kováts, loaned by The Society of the Cincinnati. The statue, not publicly displayed for decades, captured the imagination of all attendees.
Charleston, South Carolina: Rediscovering Kováts’ Final Resting Place
On October 27, Charleston became the site of the tour’s most spelndid event, held at The Old Exchange & Provost Dungeon Museum. Prominent historical societies, including The Society of the Cincinnati, the Washington Light Infantry, South Carolina 250, Charleston 250, and the Daughters of the American Revolution made the event a beautiful and inclusive celebration. The program revisited Kováts’ role in Charleston’s history and celebrated ongoing efforts to locate his burial site, to honor him as a respected adversary of the British. The Michael Kováts Memorial Committee presented a period-accurate Pulaski-Kováts battle flag and the Hungarian Postal Service’s commemorative stamp to the Charleston hosts. The Committee also visited The Citadel military academy, where they engaged in discussions with Citadel President General Glenn M. Walters and observed the Kovats Field and memorial created by Sándor Finta. At the SC Sons of the American Revolution’s annual Evacuation Day event, Anna Smith Lacey joined distinguished members of the society and talked about the memorial year’s initiatives and ideas to preserve and promote Kováts’ legacy in the future.
New York: Exploring Historical Connections
On October 30, the Liszt Institute hosted a book discussion emphasizing Kováts’ role as a bridge between Hungarian and American histories. The delegation also visited the New York Historical Society Museum to view Finta’s relief of Kováts, donated to the Museum by Hungarian Americans. Efforts are underway to include this work in the upcoming America250 commemorations.
Philadelphia and Bethlehem, PA: A Revolutionary Journey
The final leg of the tour on October 31 brought the delegation to Philadelphia’s Museum of the American Revolution. Discussions with museum director Dr. R. Scott Stephenson explored opportunities for collaboration during the America250 celebrations which will include a temporary exhibit on the role of foreigners in the Revolutionary War. The group also had a chance to observe a Michael Kováts commemorative volume and viewed the only surviving Pulaski flag – originally held in Baltimore – currently on loan for the upcoming exhibit. In Bethlehem, the group visited George Gray’s mural in the Hotel Bethlehem which portrays the Pulaski flag’s presentation, and uncovered additional archival material at the Moravian Church Archive linking the flag’s design to Kováts’ Hungarian heritage.
Building Momentum for the Future
The Michael Kováts 300 tour was more than a commemorative journey—it laid the groundwork for deeper cultural ties and future initiatives. From scholarly research into Kováts’ life to public displays and partnerships for the America250 celebration in 2026, the work of the Michael Kováts Memorial Committee and its partners continues with vigor. As we reflect on the success of the tour, we are reminded that Michael Kováts’ legacy transcends borders, inspiring unity and mutual respect between Hungary and the United States. With America’s own important 250th anniversary coming up in 2026, weeks invite Hungarian American organizations to join the Committee in its efforts to promote the invaluable contributions of an exceptional Hungarian hussar to the cause of liberty.
Sándor Fazekas served as Minister of Rural Development (2010-2014), and then Minister of Agriculture (2014-2018). He served as mayor of his hometown, Karcag from 1990 and 2010. He is the founder of the Michael Kovats Friendship Society of Karcag.
