Managing Director of Worcester City Council David Blake, Robert Mccarthy, Marta Kojscarz, Rebecca Lisa, Robert Jankowski and Tomasz Wiśniewski lit a candle to commemorate the victims of Martial Law 1981-1983.
The Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Adrian Gregson, said: “It is vitally important that we remember such anniversaries as these, not only to remember those who have fought injustice in the past, but also as a reminder of all those who are fighting for their freedom today.”
Joint leader of Worcester City Council, Chris Mitchell, said: “By lighting a candle in the window on 13 December, we unite to reflect on the past courageous struggles in Poland as well as those who are fighting for freedom today.”
Worcestershire Polish Association refers to the gesture of solidarity that masses of the inhabitants of the free world made towards Poles living under Martial Law on Christmas Eve 1981. US President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II called for symbolic lights to be placed in the windows.
In his Christmas address, the US President mentioned Poles suffering under the communist regime and addressed the Americans, saying: „Let the light of millions of candles in American homes be of notice that the light of freedom cannot be extinguished.” That winter, candles were lit in the window of the White House and in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. Poles similarly expressed their opposition to the brutal policy of the communist authorities.
13 December 2022 marks the 41st anniversary of the imposition of martial law in Poland. The tragic events that followed constitute an important element of society’s resistance against communism.
The burning candle is a sign of respect for the suffering of separated families and for the courage of those who did not stop their opposition activities despite the threat of repression. The flame is also a sign of support for those who still fight for freedom today, who suffer persecution for their activities for the sovereignty of their countries.
Tom Wisniewski, President of the Worcestershire Polish Association would like to encourage communities to take part in the campaign by lighting a candle, thus expressing solidarity with the victims of Martial Law, as well as support for those fighting for freedom. He appealed to all residents to kindle this flame of memory in their homes as a gesture of solidarity. „Let’s show that in this difficult pandemic year, the year of Russian aggression against Ukraine, crisis, and suffering, we do not forget about those to whom we owe this freedom, also remembering those who are fighting for their freedom today. Let’s light candles in the windows of our houses and outside the Worcester Guildhall. Let this common symbolic gesture and reflection on the price and value of freedom unite us. And let the flames of candles in our windows be a sign of hope for freedom for those who still lack it.”
Marta Kojscarz said: „You can also light a virtual candle at: www.swiatlowolnosci.ipn.gov.pl and pray especially for those who died or suffered defending human dignity. We remember all the victims, we remember those repressed under martial law. We remember their courage and strength eventually brought down communism, and Poland regained its freedom.”
„As a sign of this remembrance, let us light up the Light of Freedom in the windows of our homes. Let its flame remind us of the victims, remind us of the victorious struggle against enslavement and of regaining a free Poland„, Robert Jankowski added.
May our nations long-standing friendship continue!
Tom Wisniewski, President of the Worcestershire Polish Association
Pictures: Worcester City Council, WPA
