IN Column Hall of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship Office in Wrocław took place award ceremony state decorations for people who have made special contributions to preserving the memory of Polish history. Among the honorees was Grzegorz Majewski from Legnica – anti-communist opposition activist, history researcher and author publishing articles on the portal Eastern News. He received a medal “Pro Patria”, awarded for special merits in disseminating knowledge about the Polish path to freedom.
Ceremony in Wrocław
The awards were presented by Lower Silesian Voivode Anna Żabska and Michał Syska, Deputy Head of the Office for War Veterans and Victims of Oppression. The event was attended by representatives of war veterans’ communities, social activists, and individuals who have been involved in documenting Poland’s recent history for years.
The “Pro Patria” medal is one of the most important distinctions awarded to individuals who actively work to preserve the memory of the struggle for independence of the Republic of Poland. This year, it was awarded to nine individuals who, through their social and research activities, contribute to disseminating knowledge about the history of the Polish opposition.
Activities promoting the memory of the opposition
For many years, Grzegorz Majewski has been involved in activities aimed at restoring the memory of those who fought against the communist system in Poland. approximately 100 applications for state decorations and for the status of an anti-communist opposition activist.
His work has brought tangible results – more than 96 percent of the applications he submitted were approved., thanks to which many forgotten heroes received the recognition they deserved. Majewski also regularly supports veterans’ groups, helping those repressed during the communist era in administrative procedures and obtaining the benefits they were entitled to.
Researcher of the history of opposition in Central Europe
In his research, Majewski focuses particularly on the history Polish-Czechoslovak Solidarity and the cooperation of the democratic opposition on both sides of the border in the 1980s. In his publications and articles, he describes little-known episodes of the activities of dissidents who, under cover, built an international network of cooperation against the communist system.
He is the co-author of a book and numerous scientific and journalistic articles devoted to the history of the opposition in Central Europe.
Author of publications on the Nowiny Wschodnie portal
Grzegorz Majewski is also author of articles published on the Nowiny Wschodnie portal, where he regularly prepares texts on the subject historical, social and international. In his publications he discusses, among others, issues related to the history of the anti-communist opposition, cooperation of democratic movements in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as events concerning Ukraine.
Oppositionist in the times of the Polish People’s Republic
In the 1980s, Majewski was an active member of the anti-communist opposition. He participated in underground publishing activities, printing and distributing leaflets and taking part in demonstrations. In the years In 1985–1986 he co-organized the underground broadcasts of Radio Solidarity., and since 1986 he was associated with Freedom and Peace Movement.
For his opposition activities, he was repeatedly repressed by the authorities of the Polish People’s Republic – punished with fines and arrest.
Another important distinction
The “Pro Patria” medal is another distinction in Majewski’s achievements. He was previously honored Cross of Freedom and Solidarity in 2016 and Knight’s Cross of the Order of Polonia Restituta in 2022.
Today’s award is a confirmation of many years of activity to preserve historical memory and support veterans’ communities.
Source: SOAZM.pl / organizers’ materials
Journalist and Editor-in-Chief of Nowiny Wschodnie, a news platform followed by more than 140,000 people on social media. A graduate in Journalism and Social Communication, he has been co-creating and developing Nowiny Wschodnie since 2017. He gained professional experience working with local and international media.
He specializes in fact-checking, countering disinformation and propaganda, and information security. His work focuses on Poland, Ukraine, Eastern Europe, and Polish-Ukrainian relations. He is also the founder of a non-profit organization working in the fields of integration and intercultural dialogue.
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