Wondering who Reviczky Imre was? The Reviczky Imre-emlékkő Stone stands as a tribute to a man of extraordinary courage. It honors his selfless acts during a dark period of history.
This memorial stone stands at the beginning of the street named after him. The Reviczky Imre-emlékkő Stone was erected by the local government. It was a heartfelt initiative to honor Imre Reviczky. He risked his life to save people during the Holocaust.
The Reviczky Imre-emlékkő Stone shows an oval limestone block. It features a relief based on a well-known photo of Reviczky in uniform. A commemorative plaque bears witness to his heroic deeds.
Reviczky Imre was born in 1896. He came from a noble family in Upper Hungary. After military school he served in World War I. In World War II, he commanded a labor service battalion. Nearly forty thousand Romanian and Jewish forced laborers were under his command.
Reviczky improved their conditions and forbade mistreatment. In 1944 he became a rescuer motivated by humanity. He facilitated the escape of Romanians. He also drafted thousands of Jews into labor service. This saved them from deportation. The Nazis arrested him and imprisoned him.
After 1945 he was promoted to colonel. However in 1950 he was removed from the army. Two years later his pension was taken away.
In 1956 Romanian and Hungarian Jewish organizations requested his rehabilitation. Shortly before the revolution his heroism was recognized. His pension was reinstated. Sadly he died soon after and could not enjoy it. A rabbi eulogized him at his funeral.
In 1965 Reviczky Imre was named Righteous Among the Nations. A tree was planted in his honor at Yad Vashem in Jerusalem. This recognized his selfless acts.
The mayor, Bús Balázs, spoke at the inauguration. He said Reviczky Imre is an example. He shows that following universal natural laws guides moral questions. These questions are not always reflected in social norms. The Reviczky Imre-emlékkő Stone represents active patriotism. It is a foundation for a fair Hungary.
The stone is made of different types of limestone. The relief was created by András Kontur.
So let this Reviczky Imre-emlékkő Stone remind us that one person’s courage can save thousands. His legacy of bravery and humanity lives on.