“You never forget such days. They remain in your memory forever,” President said

On the eve of proclamation of martial law, Bronislaw Komorowski was interned. “I had no idea what it meant, neither the officers who came fro me. I was wondering how is it different from other arrests that I had often experienced before,” Komorowski recalls.

“We went out and the officer asked me, his voice trembling, ‘Mr. Komorowski, what will become of Poland now?’ (…) They had no idea what it mean and today I might suppose that they might have been threatened,” Komorowski continued.

At that time Anna and Bronislaw Komorowski had two little children. Mrs. Komorowska, already accustomed to her husband being arrested as opposition activist, very quickly prepared a prison essentials pack: jumper, pyjamas,  underwear, a sandwich and the holy bible.

Bronislaw Komorowski was then taken to Civic Militia’s headquarters in the Mokotow district, where he met many of his colleagues from opposition environment, they were then taken to prison in Bialoleka. He recalls the dreadful atmosphere, officers banging their batons on their shields with barking dogs on leash.  

“I felt that something new is going on, but I also felt obliged to support those who had been deprived of freedom for the very first time,” Polish President said.

He added that on entering the pavilion of the Bialoleka prison he saw the TV screen with General Jaruzelski announcing martial law. “Martial law - that sounded serious and I guess everyone was afraid about his friends, colleagues, family and the homeland,” he continued.

He recalled that his wife Anna was left with two little children and that he felt great relief when he learned that she is supported by two scouts, whose nicknames he still remembers. It also meant that even though many were interned the underground was still active.

Mrs. Komorowska with her friend were first wives to pay a visit to their interned husbands in the intern camp. Mr. President recollects that it was a surprise and moment of great happiness. He could meet and speak to his wife and learn about the lot of his colleagues from opposition.

President Komorowski concluded the interview appealing to all Poles to remember December 13, 1981 as Polish nations’ tragedy, a day of failed hopes and dispirited freedom fighters but at the same time, to remember that Poland withstood crisis and regained freedom.

He also called everyone to express solidarity with prisoners of conscience and all those who are fighting for freedom and behave the way the world behaved towards Poland when it was shaken by martial law and craving for independence.

BS/Radio ZET