The Medal of Gratitude is awarded to foreigners who supported Poland in its fight for freedom and democracy, without whom the victory of Solidarity in Europe would be much more difficult.
The ECS established this honorary award on the 30th anniversary of the birth of Solidarity. Over 700 persons from all over the world have received it so far. Some smuggled printing machines and radio transmitters for the underground Solidarity Trade Union, others organised shipments of food and medication, others took care of the families of interned oppositionists or demonstrated to defend Poland’s violated civil rights.
The people of Poland would like to thank all those whose support has helped us regain our freedom.
The chairman of the chapter of the Medal of Gratitude is Lech Wałęsa, the former president of Poland, historical leader of Solidarity Trade Union, Nobel Peace Prize laureate.
Everyone can nominate a candidate to the award. Please find below the application form.
Project of the Medal
The Medal of Gratitude was designed by Dobrochna Surajewska, the sculptor from Gdańsk. The word „dziękuję” (thank you) is stamped on the obverse of the medal in 43 languages (including Polish, English, German, French, Italian, Japanese, Greek, Lithuanian, Swedish, Welsh, Czech, Portuguese, Japanese). The reverse bears the inscription „Solidarity”, image of the historical gate of the Gdansk Shipyard adorned with flowers and the Latin maxim: Hic nobis adiumento in periculis, solacio in laboribus fuit (He came to our aid in danger, to comfort us when it was hard).
