“A furious snake Serbian traitor” a controversial legacy indeed. This Damjanich Janos Plaque tells a story. A story of a man torn between two nations.
Here before us stands the Damjanich Janos Plaque. It commemorates Janos Damjanich. He was an Austrian military officer. He became a general in the Hungarian Revolutionary Army in 1848. Damjanich is a national hero in Hungary.
Born in 1804 in a Serbian family in Staza. Now part of Sunja Croatia. His military career began as an officer. His bravery at battles like Alibunar and Temesvar led to rapid promotion. He was known for his courage. He was considered the bravest man in the Hungarian army. His victory at the Battle of Nagysallo was significant. It led to the relief of Komarom fortress.
He was a devoted adherent of Hungarian liberals. This despite being an Orthodox Serb. His actions made him a national hero. However his loyalty to Hungary caused controversy among Serbs. Some consider him a traitor. The plaque itself is a work of art. Created by Mihály Kátai Jr in 1969. It is made of vitreous enamel also called porcelain enamel. It is placed on Damjanich Street in Budapest.
The plaque depicts Damjanich’s image. It also features six images. They reflect military life of that era. The plaque’s colours are reminiscent of the Kossuth coat of arms. The twelve squares that make up the plaque are all done in enamel technique.
After the surrender at Vilagos Damjanich famously refused to surrender Arad. He said he would only yield to a single company of Cossacks. He would defend it to the last drop of his blood against the whole Austrian army. He was among the thirteen Martyrs of Arad. Executed on October 6 1849. His last words were “I believed I would be the last because I was always the first in battle. My poor Emily Long live Hungary”
The Damjanich Janos Plaque. It’s a powerful reminder of a complex figure. A man caught between loyalty and legacy. A hero to some a traitor to others. His story continues to spark debate. It stands as a testament to the turbulent history of Hungary.