Elvis Presley dedicates Peace in the Valley to 1956 Hungarian Freedom Fighters

Hungary's 1956 Revolution marked the first tear in the Iron Curtain. Hungarians from all walks of life rose up against the mighty Soviet Union in a desperate fight for freedom. Thousands died, many others tortured and jailed, 200,000 would flee, bringing untold talents to the shores of many nations, some 38,000 coming to the U.S. in the first year alone.

AHF, member organizations and the entire community sprung into action. Building on its experience during WWII, AHF activated its second Hungarian Relief Program, raising over $525,000 (over $4.5 million in today's dollars) and, working closely with the International Rescue Committee, found beds and supplies to aid in the resettlement effort.

Elvis Presley was also affected by the plight of refugees. Known for his humanitarianism and never forgetting the struggles from his youth, Elvis appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show to sing in support Hungarian refugees.

The Communist regime kept the video and Elvis' support of the brave Hungarian Freedom Fighters secret for 47 years. On 1 March 2011, Mayor Istvan Tarlos and the city council announced plans to bestow this honorary citizenship on Elvis and established Elvis Presley Square and a park due to the singer’s sympathy and solidarity with the Hungarian Revolution against the communists in 1956. Elvis actually made his feelings known about this issue on his third and final Ed Sullivan Show appearance on January 6th, 1957. The King dedicated his final song “Peace in the Valley” to the people of Hungary. At Elvis’ request, Ed Sullivan also asked his TV audience to donate to Hungarian relief efforts. This ended up raising about 25 million Swiss francs.