On 11 June, in Wrocław, the IPN Deputy President Mateusz Szpytma Ph.D., decorated former members of the anti-communist underground with Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity. The ceremony was one of the events marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of "Fighting Solidarity."
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki, whose father Kornel was the "Fighting Solidarity" founder and leader was also present in Wrocław. After the event, PM Morawiecki, IPN Deputy President Szpytma, and the decorated "Fighting Solidarity" members laid flowers at a plaque commemorating Kornel Morawiecki.
On 10 June, in Łódź, the Institute Deputy President, Mateusz Szpytma also presented the Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity on behalf of Poland's President Andrzej Duda. On 11 June Deputy President Krzysztof Szwagrzyk awarded members of the anti-communist opposition with the decoration in Wałbrzych.
The Cross of Freedom and Solidarity is awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland to members of the 1956—1989 anti-communist opposition in recognition of their activities for the independence and sovereignty of Poland, and respect for human rights in the People's Republic of Poland. The decoration design is based on pre-war independence crosses and medals.
The laureates of the Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity were:
- Krzysztof Bieżuński
- Jarosław Broda
- Marian Cieślikowski
- Dorota Dejneka
- Małgorzata Jaśkiewicz
- Tadeusz Kuranda
- Robert Maurer
- Anna Michalczyk
- Anna Morawiecka
- Wojciech Myślecki
- Mariusz Sokołowski
- Jarosław Twardowski
- Arkadiusz Urban
- Izabella Wawrzeń
More information on Kornel Morawiecki
More information on Fighting Solidarity