A stark white marble catches the sunlight. This is the Hollán Sándor Plaque. It stands as a testament to a tragic event. Let me tell you the story behind this memorial.
The Hollán Sándor Plaque commemorates Sándor Hollán and his son. Both men were victims of the Red Terror in 1919. Hollán Sándor József was born in Budapest in 1873. He became a lawyer then a politician and state secretary. He also served as the director of the Hungarian State Railways MÁV.
During the Hungarian Soviet Republic, chaos reigned. In April 1919, Sándor Hollán and his father were abducted. They were taken from their home on Pauler Street. The Red Guard led by Andor Lázár was responsible. The men were brought to the Chain Bridge. There, they were shot in the head. Their bodies were thrown into the Danube. This Hollán Sándor Plaque marks that terrible event.
After the fall of the commune, the family searched for them. Lies and misinformation spread. Only later did they learn the truth. Hollán Sándor’s sons and widow were devastated. His mother also grieved. His five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren live around the world today.
In November 1919, a white marble plaque was placed here. It honored Hollán Sándor and his father. The inscription read that they suffered martyrdom during the reign of terror. It also said that their memory would be cherished by officials and colleagues. All good Hungarians would remember them too.
But the story of the Hollán Sándor Plaque doesn’t end there. In 1946, during the reconstruction of the Chain Bridge, the plaque disappeared. It was destroyed or made unreadable.
Decades later, a community blog launched a fundraising campaign. They wanted to restore the Hollán Sándor Plaque. Despite some opposition, the community succeeded. In March 2009, a new plaque was unveiled. The family members expressed their gratitude.
Tragically, this plaque was short-lived. It was vandalized with red paint. Then, it was stolen in October 2009. But the story doesn’t end here, either.
In April 2011, a new Hollán Sándor Plaque was inaugurated. This is the one we see before us today. It stands as a symbol of remembrance. It honors the victims of political violence. It also shows the power of community.
The Hollán Sándor Plaque serves as a reminder. It reminds us of the importance of justice and remembrance. It’s a story of tragedy. But also of resilience. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Hungarian people.