The government of the Gdańsk Region of NSZZ “Solidarność” and the Institute of National Remembrance Branch in Gdańsk, the City of Gdańsk, the “Generation of Lechia Gdańsk” Association and Olivia Business Centre invite you to the celebration of the 35th anniversary of the introduction of martial law. The main events of this year’s celebrations of the Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Martial Law will be the unveiling of the Monument to the Victims of Martial Law, the social action “Light the Light of Freedom” as well as the concert of the bands: “Armia”, “Izrael”, “Bielizna”, “Kryzys”, “Fabryka” (Hall of Occupational Health and Safety in Gdańsk, 6 Ks. Jerzy Popiełuszki Street).
December 13, 1981 at 6:00 Polish Radio broadcast the speech of Gen. Wojciech Jaruzelski – announcement on the constitution of the Military Council of National Salvation (WRON) and the introduction of martial law throughout the country. Within a few days, about 5,000 people were placed in detention centers. People. Against them… 70 thous. soldiers, 30,000. militiamen
, 1.7 thousand. tanks, 1.9 thousand. combat vehicles and 9,000 Car…
For 586 days, the government failed to suppress the resistance of the public, which over time began to manifest its opposition to the regime more and more clearly. Martial law was formally lifted on July 22, 1983. However, in the public perception, it ended only when it regained independence in 1989.
On December 13 at 7:30 p.m., a symbolic candle will be lit in many windows – the Light of Freedom – commemorating the victims of martial law. Olivia Business Centre, as every year, joins the IPN’s social campaign “Light the Light of Freedom”. On December 13 at 7:30 p.m., the Olivia Six and Olivia Tower buildings will be lit up in white and red colors.
The social campaign “Light the Light of Freedom” refers to the gesture of solidarity that was made towards Poles on Christmas Eve 1981. were made by the masses of the inhabitants of the then free world. As a sign of unity with his compatriots, a candle in the window of the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican was lit by Pope John Paul II. U.S. President Ronald Reagan also called for candles to be placed in the windows, saying in his Christmas address to the nation:
“The Poles have been betrayed by their own government. Those who govern them and their totalitarian allies fear the freedom that Poles love so much. (…) Let the flame of millions of candles in American homes be a testimony that the light of liberty cannot be extinguished.”
FRAMEWORK PROGRAMME OF THE CELEBRATIONS OF THE 35. ANNIVERSARY OF THE INTRODUCTION OF MARTIAL LAW IN GDAŃSK
December 13, 2016 (Tuesday)
- 16.30 Solemn Mass in the Basilica of St. Brygidy in Gdańsk (17 Profesorska Street)
- 18.00 march to Targ Rakowy
- approx. 18.30 unveiling of the Monument to the Victims of Martial Law (M. Konopnicka Park, Jagiellonian Embankments)
The monument will be erected on the site of Antoni Browarczyk’s probable death. It has the form of a bronze plaque depicting the silhouette of a lying 20-year-old man, covered with a “Solidarity” flag. Its author is Gennady Yershov.
Antoni Browarczyk (21 October 1961 – 17 December 1981) – a student of electromechanical works, a member of the Dominican pastoral ministry, a supporter of Lechia Gdańsk, a sympathizer of “Solidarity”. Fatally shot by a bullet during a demonstration in front of the headquarters of the Provincial Committee of the Polish United Workers’ Party. The demonstration was the result of the pacification of the strike at the nearby Gdansk Shipyard. Lenin. The youngest victim of martial law.
- 7.15 p.m. – march to the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers (Solidarity Square)
- 7.30 p.m. – beginning of the nationwide campaign “Light the Light of Memory”. As part of the campaign, the Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers will be illuminated.
- 8.00 p.m. – music concert of the bands: “Armia”, “Izrael”, “Bielizna”, “Kryzys”, “Fabryka”
(Hall of Occupational Health and Safety in Gdansk, 6 Ks. Jerzy Popiełuszki Street). In the post-shipyard area near the Hall of Occupational Health and Safety, there will also be a show of reconstruction groups.
- On 13 December, we would also like to invite you to the presentation of the exhibition Antoni Browarczyk – the first victim of martial law in Gdańsk (Targ Rakowy in Gdańsk) and 586 days of martial law (Solidarity Square). The exhibitions will be on display until 5 January 2017.
The organizer of the ceremony on December 13 is the Board of the Gdańsk Region of NSZZ “Solidarność” and the Institute of National Remembrance, Gdańsk Branch. Other organizers: City of Gdansk, “Generation of Lechia Gdansk” Association. Sponsors: Energa Group, Grupa Lotos S.A., Olivia Business Centre.
Source: 13grudnia.org.pl, polskieradio.pl
