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Memorial Cross Unveiled to Honor the Szekler Heroes of 1944 Battles

Hungary Today 2024.08.12.
The view of Bancu with the church.

Eighty years ago, on a Sunday afternoon, a memorial cross was dedicated on a mountain top in Covasna County, Szeklerland (Romania) above Bancu (Csíkbánkfalva) to honor those who died during the Second World War fights in late August 1944, writes Magyar Nemzet based on a report published by Székelyhon.

Located 7 kilometers from Bancu’s parish church, the mountain top is accessible only on foot or by off-road vehicle. The cross, initiated by Lehel István Kovács , a university professor from Săcele (Négyfalu), Brașov County, and former president of the Transylvanian Carpathian Association, commemorates the sacrifices of soldiers and civilians during the fierce battles between the Szekler border guards and the Soviet Red Army.

Mr. Kovács shared that family stories revealed his grandfather and his great-uncle were among the casualties in the Úz Valley (Valea Uzului, also a Szekler-related battleground in World War II). His vow to erect a cross in their memory led to the construction of this memorial, facilitated by fundraising efforts.

The cross stands at the summit, overlooking the valley and facing Șumuleu (Csíksomlyó, an important spiritual place for Transylvanian Catholics).

The ceremony began with the Hungarian national anthem, followed by historical reflections by Péter Illésfalvi, a historian specializing in the Eastern Carpathians’ wartime history. It featured performances by notable artists and was attended by over a hundred people, many of whom hiked up.

The memorial, 250 cm high and 160 cm wide, made of hard oak, was designed by Lehel István Kovács and carved by Attila Sass. It bears a simple inscription symbolizing life, sacrifice, and divine order, honoring the estimated hundreds who perished in the area.

No Indictment for Occupation of Hungarian Military Cemetery in Romania
No Indictment for Occupation of Hungarian Military Cemetery in Romania

The prosecution found that the first count of the indictment was not established.Continue reading

Via Magyar Nemzet, Székelyhon; Featured Image: Wikipedia


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