World War I Memorial

If you're in Vác's main square, you should stop by the World War I Memorial by sculptor Károly Cser.

The monument commemorates the memory of some 600 heroic dead of Vác. At the centre of the statue is a female figure proudly raising the flag. Below her, three soldiers can be seen in different positions: a soldier about to go into battle - a broken, tired soldier - a seriously wounded soldier fighting for his life. The central figures are flanked on either side by a lion, a symbol of heroism, protecting the lives of those fighting for their country. 

The group of statues was originally placed on the square in 1933, amidst great celebrations, in the hope that it would forever be a memorial to the brave soldiers. However, it was damaged during World War II and was moved from its original location in mid-century. 

Napjainkban ismét a főtéren áll – igaz néhány méterrel eltér az eredeti helyszíntől – méltón emelkedik a magasba, az alábbi felirattal:  „Váci fiúk! A harc mezején hullottatok el mind. Míg magyar él, e szobor hirdeti hős nevetek! Míg magyar él, e szobor hirdeti hős nevetek! …” 

Every year on Heroes' Day, the last Sunday in May, a memorial service is held at the statue for the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for Hungary.

2600 Vác, Március 15. square