Light the "Light of Freedom"
13.12.2021
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the declaration of martial law, the Institute of National Remembrance invites you to participate in the social campaign "Victims of martial law. Light the Light of Freedom ”by lighting a candle in the window on December 13 at 7.30pm and expressing solidarity with the victims of martial law.
The "Light the Light of Freedom" campaign aims to commemorate all those who lost their lives or otherwise suffered as a result of Martial Law introduced on 13 December 1981. The campaign refers to the gesture of placing candles in the windows, through which, in the early eighties, Poles expressed opposition to the brutal policy of the authorities of the Polish People’s Republic and solidarity with thousands of internees and their families.
President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda sends a message encouraging to take part in the social campaign "Light up the Light of Freedom" on the 40th anniversary of the imposition of martial law:
December 13, 2021
Ladies and Gentlemen, Dear Compatriots!
The 40th anniversary of the imposition of martial law is approaching. Back then, the communist regime declared war on the Polish people. Thousands of "Solidarity" activists were imprisoned, those who fought for freedom were removed from their work and universities, and brutally beaten as the regime attempted to quench the protests. Some of them even lost their lives.
We remember all the victims, we remember those repressed under martial law. We remember the Heroes! Their courage and strength eventually brought down communism, and Poland regained its freedom. They take credit for the fact that today we live in our own sovereign, democratic state.
As a sign of this remembrance, on December 13, let us light up the Light of Freedom in the windows of our homes. Let its flame remind us of the victims. Let it remind us of the victorious struggle against enslavement and of regaining a free Poland.
Andrzej Duda
President of the Republic of Poland
You can also light a virtual candle on: swiatlowolnosci.ipn.gov.pl.
