On the facade of the NSZZ building "Solidarity" in Gdańsk there was a plaque dedicated to opposition and horse in the Polish People's Republic. Anna Walentynowicz is 1 of the founders of the Solidarity movement. The unveiling ceremony was gathered by representatives of the Institute of National Memory, union authorities and the household Valentynowicz.
The president of the IPN, Dr. Karol Nawrocki, stressed in his speech that Anna Walentynowicz deserves the designation “mother of our modern independence” and “mother of Solidarity”. His words echoed a wide echo among the assembled, who had no uncertainty that Valentynowicz had a immense influence on Poland's history, and the memory of it should be nurtured in public space.
Anna Walentynovich
A large spirit in a tiny body. Social responsibility, mercy, solidarity, stubbornness in the fight for values.
No 1 will take distant our symbols of freedom as long as we have relationship @ipngovpl and @Solidarity_@DudaSolidaritypic.twitter.com/4bVhinDkbA
Message for future generations
During the ceremony, the president of the IPN pointed out that the commemoration of Valentynowicz has a deep sense in the context of contemporary challenges. Karol Nawrocki referred to the current attempts to remove symbols of the past from public space, declaring firm opposition to specified actions.
This fight against symbols of memory in contemporary Poland will end with the defeat of the amnesia spokespersons," Nawrocki said, stressing that NSZZ “Solidarity” and IPN will stand defender for historical values that led Poles towards freedom.
The presence of many people associated with opposition in the times of the Polish People's Republic stressed the importance of preserving the memory of those who sacrificed their lives and health, fighting for social justice and independence. Among women associated with “Solidarity” Valentinovich was 1 of the most crucial figures – courageous, determined and willing to sacrifice. Her activities for free trade unions and her unbreakable attitude are permanently part of the past of the labour movement.
Read more: Forgotten memorials. The authorities of Gdańsk do not place flowers here
Anna Walentynovich and a life full of trials and sacrifices
Anna Walentynowicz was born in 1929 in the village of Sienne, now lying in Ukraine. In 1980, erstwhile she worked at Gdańsk Shipyard, she was released just 5 months before her retirement, which became an inflamed spark of the August strike. The workers of the shipyard, united in defence of its rights, demanded that it be reinstated as 1 of the main demands. It was then that the Solidarity movement became a symbol of the conflict for freedom in Poland and played a key function in the past of the fall of communism.
Valentinovich's work was a immense risk. After martial law was introduced, she was interned and exposed to constant harassment. Still, she remained faithful to the values she professed by engaging in the labour movement for the remainder of her life. Even after the release and conviction of the prison suspended, she did not lose her determination to fight for labour rights and freedom of Poland.
Eternal Memory
The plaque placed on the building of NSZZ "Solidarity" in Gdańsk is more than just a sign of commemoration. It is simply a informing and inspiration not to forget people like Anna Walentynowicz who, through their actions, remind that freedom and justice require courage and perseverance. The president of the IPN, Dr. Nawrocki, emphasized in his speech that the past of Valentynowicz was a evidence of the individual's strength, which could break the barriers and influence the destiny of his country.
Her tragic death in the 2010 Smolensk disaster ended a life full of sacrifices and hardship, but did not halt the influence she had on Polish society. Anna Walentynowicz has become a symbol of “Solidarity” and is an inspiration for subsequent generations of Poles who value freedom and are ready to fight for human rights.
mn
Join our community!
Follow us on our social media and stay up to date!
