The two-day America Day celebration at the Péter Bornemisza High School in Budapest began on February 25th with an interactive presentation by the Embassy’s Cultural Attaché John Balian on “Global U.S. Military Deployment.” This was a subject that had been requested by the students through a survey done by the school in preparation for the celebration. Mr. Balian talked about the concepts of “hard” and “soft” power and how the U.S. military uses both strategically around the world.

On February 26, the second program day at Bornemisza, Embassy Management Counselor Paul Gilmer gave a presentation, titled “U.S.-Hungarian Relations – a personal view.” Mr. Gilmer talked about the history of Hungarian-American relations and the structure of the Embassy and its goals. He emphasized the Mission’s efforts in speaking out for tolerance.

America Days give Hungarian high school students a chance to learn about the United Sates, its people, history and culture, and the programs are to encourage them to travel and to study there."

Source: U.S. Embassy Budapest

Photo: Cultural Attaché John Balian speaks at the America Day event. (photo courtesy of Yvonne Schuchmann)