President Bronislaw Komorowski went to Szczecin on the Polish western coast, Sunday, to take part in the events commemorating August Agreements signed with communist authorities, which led to the creation of the Solidarity movement in 1980.

The head of NSZZ Solidarnosc trade union Janusz Sniadek was also present at the ceremonies. Lech Walesa, the legendary leader of the movement has called off his earlier declaration to attend.

On the occasion, President Komorowski awarded 19 people historically associated with Solidarity.

He said that the role of trade unions is to protect workers' rights but also to maintain the dialogue with the authorities.

Szczecin was the first of four towns to host anniversary celebrations.
Today Gdynia will host Anniversary Solidarity Congress where almost 3,000 guests are expected to attend.
Tomorrow Gdansk Shipyard, the historic birthplace of Solidarity movement will be marking the occasion.

The Silesian trade union branch’s 30-year anniversary celebrations will be held on September 3 in Jastrzebie.