Because Freedom Has Its Price | Województwo Kujawsko-Pomorskie

On the night of 12–13 December 1981, the communist authorities unlawfully imposed martial law and deployed the army to the streets to suppress the democratic opposition and the Solidarity “carnival of freedom.” Regional commemorations of the National Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Martial Law – organized by Marshal Piotr Całbecki and President of the Regional Parliament Elżbieta Piniewska, together with the Gdańsk branch of the Institute of National Remembrance, local governments, Regional Solidarity trade union structures, and veterans’ and patriotic organizations of our region – took place on Friday and Saturday in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Włocławek, Inowrocław, Potulice, Chełmno, Chełmża, Łubianka, and Zła Wieś Wielka.

“Is it worth revisiting those tragic events from 44 years ago? After all, we live in a free homeland and a united Europe. I am among those who remember tanks on the streets, curfews, the brutal suppression of peaceful demonstrations, internments, censorship, and restrictions on movement across the country. I believe we should speak about martial law for two reasons. Firstly, those who fought for our freedom deserve remembrance and respect. Secondly, so that we do not forget that independence has its price. Let us meet during the Day of Remembrance events,” said Marshal Piotr Całbecki during the ceremony in Toruń.

The Marshal also took part, among other activities, in the traditional nighttime ceremony of laying flowers beneath the commemorative plaque embedded in the façade of the Academic Church in Toruń.

Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office

10 December 2025
Last updated: 14 December 2025