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30.11.2021

The ceremony of presenting Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity – Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, 30 November 2021

The Cross of Freedom and Solidarity is a sign of gratitude for those who, through their struggle against the communist system in the years 1956—1989, contributed to Poland regaining freedom after half a century of dependence on the Soviet Union.

The ceremony of presenting Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity – Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, 30 November 2021; photo: A. Garnik
The ceremony of presenting Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity – Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, 30 November 2021; photo: A. Garnik
The ceremony of presenting Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity – Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, 30 November 2021; photo: A. Garnik
The ceremony of presenting Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity – Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, 30 November 2021; photo: A. Garnik
The ceremony of presenting Crosses of Freedom and Solidarity – Consulate General of the Republic of Poland in New York, 30 November 2021; photo: A. Garnik

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.

The Cross of Freedom and Solidarity honors those who joined the heroes’ march from the beginning of the century, creating another link in the chain of generations.

Every time Poland was in danger, assaulted, partitioned, or oppressed by imperial or totalitarian powers, an attempt was made to drive the Poles attached to freedom and solidarity out of the country,

said Karol Nawrocki

 

The Cross of Freedom and Solidarity is awarded by the President of the Republic of Poland to members of the 19561989 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 decoration act, on behalf of the President of the Republic of Poland, was performed by the President of the Institute of National Remembrance Karol Nawrocki, Ph.D.

During the ceremony the following orders and distinctions were awarded:

The Order of Polonia Restituta, the Commander's Cross: Włodzimierz ILNICKI

The Order of Polonia Restituta, the Officer's Cross: Krzysztof Wiktor NOWAK

The Order of Polonia Restituta, the Knight’s Cross: Włodzimierz Leszek PAJDAK

The Cross of Freedom and Solidarity:

1.         Marek DUSZKIEWICZ

2.         Dariusz OLSZEWSKI

3.         Włodzimierz Leszek PAJDAK

4.         Bolesław PLEWA

5.         Wiesław WIERZBOWSKI

6.         Edward Feliks WIŚNIEWSKI

postmortem:

7.         Edward BĄCIASZEK

8.         Jerzy Jakub POLAK

9.         Antoni WŁOCH


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