Today, in the famous work safety room at the Gdańsk Shipyard, Karol Nawrocki presented the heroes of Poland’s fight for freedom with the Order of the Rebirth of Poland and Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity on behalf of President of the Republic of Poland Andrzej Duda.

These awards have been created around a symbol deeply embedded in the identity of the Republic of Poland, a symbol of not just suffering but also sacrifice for others, and something that has grown to stand for freedom and solidarity, the values you served before 1989,

said Karol Nawrocki to the awardees, calling them "their generation's heroes of freedom ".

Among the award recipients were opposition members who stood up for the dignity of Polish workers in 1976, participants of August 1980 strikes, Martial Law victims, and representatives of the youngest generation of resistance, Federation of Fighting Youth. The IPN’s President stressed the fact that they remained faithful to the values they believed in, and for that, they suffered repressions.

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 fight for human rights in the People's Republic of Poland. The decoration design is based on pre-war independence crosses and medals.