In Bydgoszcz, 57 people involved in anti-communist underground received the decoration, some of them posthumously. 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.