Hungary mourns the death of Jimmy Carter, the returner of the Holy Crown

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 39th occupant of the White House and a revered humanitarian, has passed away at the age of 100.

By: dailynewshungary.com

Jan 01 2025
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Hungary mourns the death of Ji

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 39th occupant of the White House and a revered humanitarian, has passed away at the age of 100. His death occurred peacefully on Sunday, 29 December 2024, at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family. In this article, we remember what Jimmy Carter has done for Hungary.

Jimmy Carter’s death

As Telex reports, Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, who passed away on 29 December 2024, at the age of 100, is fondly remembered in Hungary for his pivotal role in returning the Holy Crown of Hungary. This significant act in 1978 symbolised hope and renewal for a nation grappling with the shadows of communism. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán expressed that Carter occupies a “special place” in the hearts of Hungarians, recognising him not only for his humanitarian efforts but also for strengthening ties between the two nations. In an X post, Viktor Orbán wrote:

The memory of President Jimmy Carter will always be cherished in Hungary. By returning the Holy Crown to the people of Hungary at the end of the 70’s, he gave freedom-loving Hungarians hope in a hopeless time. I would like to express my deepest condolences to the Carter family and the American people.

The return of the Holy Crown

In 1978, President Jimmy Carter made a historic decision to return the Holy Crown of Hungary, also known as the Crown of Saint Stephen, to the Hungarian people. This medieval crown, a symbol of Hungary’s sovereignty and national identity, had been safeguarded in the United States since the end of the Second World War to protect it from the advancing Soviet forces. As Telex notes, US politicians promised to return the Holy Crown by Christmas in 1977. However, it was not realised until Epiphany.

Carter’s move was seen as an act of goodwill during a tense period in the Cold War, reflecting a desire to improve relations with Hungary, a socialist state under Soviet influence at the time. The ceremonial handover, conducted in Budapest with great reverence, was hailed as a gesture of respect for Hungarian history and culture, and it remains a significant moment in U.S.-Hungarian diplomatic relations.

Building houses in a small Hungarian town

As Blikk writes, in 1996, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter left a lasting legacy in the small Hungarian town of Vác by personally helping to build homes for families in need through Habitat for Humanity International. Carter, alongside his wife Rosalynn, joined 500 volunteers to construct ten wooden houses in just one week. Among the beneficiaries was Jenő Pintér, who fondly recalls Carter’s humility, dedication, and hands-on carpentry skills during the project. The former president’s efforts symbolised his commitment to strengthening Hungarian-American relations, for which he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary. Decades later, Pintér still honours Carter’s memory, lighting a candle in gratitude for the man who helped build his home.

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