December 13, 1981. General Wojciech Jaruzelski declared Poland (then still part of the Warsaw Pact) under martial law. The Communist secret service arrested hundreds of Poles. Many died for a free Poland.

25 years later, things have changed slowly. Though many ex-members of the Communist Party, secret service and collaborators still walk freely and some even take up government positions, the sacrifice of many has not gone to waste. The current government is taking great steps to bring those responsible to justice.

I salute those who stood up to the injustice, corruption and evil of the Communist Party. And I thank you for fighting for my country.