31 August 2026 is a day of profound significance for Poland and for all those who remember the nation’s journey towards freedom.

Ceremonies were held in Gdańsk to mark the 46th anniversary of the signing of the August Agreements and the birth of the Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity” (NSZZ “Solidarność”) – events that changed the history of Poland and Europe forever.

It was in August 1980 that workers, intellectuals and ordinary citizens found the courage to say “enough” to the communist system. Solidarity was born – a great social movement that became a symbol of the struggle for freedom, human dignity, workers’ rights and independence.

During this year’s commemorations at the historic BHP Hall of the Gdańsk Shipyard, President of the Republic of Poland Karol Nawrocki reminded us that the spirit of Solidarity remains important today:

“I would like a clear message to come from the BHP Hall of the Gdańsk Shipyard today: that Solidarity, its spirit, is also there to awaken those in power in their future actions.”

These words carry particular significance in the very place where, 46 years ago, a new chapter in Poland’s history was being written.

Krzysztof Wyszkowski awarded the Order of the White Eagle

One of the most important moments of this year’s commemorations was the presentation of the Order of the White Eagle to Krzysztof Wyszkowski, co-founder of the Independent Trade Unions of the Coast (NZZW).

It was an initiative from 1980, linked—among other things—to the strikes on the coast and the process of forming the later Independent Self-Governing Trade Union “Solidarity” (NSZZ “Solidarność”).

Niezależne Związki Zawodowe Wybrzeża and a participant in the 1980 strike at the Gdańsk Shipyard, by President Karol Nawrocki.

The Order of the White Eagle is Poland’s highest state distinction. Its presentation is a profound recognition of Mr Wyszkowski’s longstanding service to a free and independent Poland.

For the Polish Sue Association, this moment carries a particularly personal significance.

Iwona Golińska, President of the Polish Sue Association and current Secretary of the Council of Polonia and Poles Abroad under President Karol Nawrocki, had the honour of meeting Krzysztof Wyszkowski personally during his visits and meetings in London.

Those meetings offered an opportunity to meet a man whose life and work form an important part of Poland’s struggle for freedom. Krzysztof Wyszkowski was among those courageous Poles who refused to accept communist oppression and had the determination to work towards ending a system of political repression and the denial of basic freedoms.

“He is one of our heroes”

For the generation that remembers the Polish People’s Republic, the word “Solidarity” is not simply a term found in history books.

It is a reminder of a time when people were persecuted, when opportunities for education and personal development were restricted, and when life chances could depend upon whether an individual was willing to conform to the system.

Many Poles who refused to accept such a reality were forced to seek freedom beyond Poland’s borders. Many came to Great Britain, the United States and other countries, building Polish communities abroad while continuing to preserve the truth about Poland and its struggle for freedom.

This is why remembering the people of Solidarity remains so important to the Polish diaspora.

We are proud to have had the opportunity to meet Krzysztof Wyszkowski personally. He is a man who deserves the highest recognition and respect. We thank President Karol Nawrocki for honouring him with the Order of the White Eagle.

His decoration is not only a distinction bestowed upon one individual. It is also a symbolic tribute to all those who had the courage to oppose communism – those who suffered persecution, lost their employment, were , forced into exile or emigration, and yet refused to abandon their principles.

Remembering Solidarity is our responsibility

Forty-six years after the signing of the August Agreements, we must remember that freedom did not come by itself. It was fought for by people who had the courage to say “no” to a system that deprived citizens of fundamental rights.

Krzysztof Wyszkowski is one of those people.

For Poles living both in Poland and abroad, he remains a symbol of steadfastness, courage and loyalty to Poland.

Polish Sue extends its heartfelt congratulations to Mr Krzysztof Wyszkowski.

Thank you for your struggle for freedom, for your courage and for your unwavering devotion to Poland.

Today we can say with pride: we remember. We are grateful. We are proud.

May the memory of Solidarity and its heroes live on – in Poland, in Great Britain, in the United States and wherever Poles live around the world.

Text : Polish Sue

Photos : KPRP and Polish Sue