On December 13, 1981, the communist authorities declared martial law. Tanks rolled into the streets of Polish cities, a curfew was imposed, social organizations were suspended, and thousands of “Solidarity” activists were interned. It was an attempt to break the nation’s spirit through prohibitions, censorship, and fear. However, history has shown that the Polish nation could not be broken. Independent publications emerged underground, leaflets circulated, and culture–theater, poetry, music–became a space of resistance and truth.
Martial law left behind dramatic memories: broken families, lost hopes, victims of repression. But it also left a testament to courage and unwavering resolve. It is thanks to this memory that we can today speak of freedom as a value that was fought for, not given.
I remember the streets of Wrocław in December 1981: tanks, armored vehicles, military and police patrols, closed institutions, banned gatherings, silence on television and radio. People stood in queues for necessities, and life unfolded under the shadow of fear. However, the people of Wrocław did not give up. Even after arrests and pacifications, the resistance continued – through strikes, leaflets, and daily acts of solidarity.
Working at the University of Technology (Politechnika Wroclawska), I remember the atmosphere in the Institute, the solidarity, but also the fear; we didn’t know who was informing on us. Arrests, detentions, interrogations…
In Wrocław, underground structures of Solidarity, the Independent Youth Movement, and Radio Solidarity were active. I remember that a few days before the imposition of martial law, 80 million PLN were withdrawn from Solidarity’s account, which, thanks to Cardinal Henryk Gulbinowicz, did not fall into the hands of the communist authorities. The money later went to the families of those interned and supported underground activities.
By commemorating December 13, we pay tribute to those who suffered and fought. We remind ourselves that freedom requires vigilance and Solidarity – nurturing. This is a day that obligates us to care for the truth, for community, and for a future in which censorship and fear will never return.
Alicja
Wrocław in pictures, source: Internet
