Honouring the People of “Solidarity”

– Solidarity opened the gates to freedom in countries enslaved by the totalitarian system, brought down the Berlin Wall and contributed to the reunification of Europe. We must never allow this to fade from our memory – said St John Paul II, patron saint of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, three decades ago in Sopot. On the 46th anniversary of the signing of the August Agreements, the regional government is honouring those who helped establish the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity” in our region. Today (28 August), Marshal Piotr Całbecki will meet trade union activists in Przysiek.

– The August Agreements marked a turning point. “Solidarity” united people around shared values and the desire for freedom. To this day, they remain an important part of our common history – emphasises Marshal Piotr Całbecki.

In Przysiek, the Marshal will present gold Unitas Durat Palatinatus Ciuaviano-Pomeraniensis medals to 41 activists of the anti-communist opposition. A further 16 people have been honoured posthumously.

The first event in this year’s commemorations took place in Grudziądz on 22 August.

Further events will take place in Bydgoszcz, Toruń, Włocławek and Inowrocław.

The programme includes ceremonies at plaques and monuments commemorating Solidarity activists, Holy Masses for the Homeland and the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity”, the laying of flowers and candles, speeches and a ceremonial gala during which the “Solidarity Medals” will be presented.

A detailed programme of the commemorations is available on the event poster.

The signing of the August Agreements in the summer of 1980 paved the way for the registration of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity”, which became one of the most important centres of democratic opposition to the authorities of the Polish People’s Republic in the 1980s.

Beata Krzemińska
Press Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

28 August 2026