Irish journalist and scientist Jacqueline Hayden was honored on Sunday with the Medal of Gratitude for donating to the European Solidarity Center a rich collection of interviews with leading figures of “Solidarity” from the 1980s. – Getting to know the values presented by “Solidarity” I learned a lot about who I am and what I believe in – said the laureate.
The European Solidarity Center established the Medal of Gratitude in April 2010 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Solidarity. It is awarded to people from abroad who helped “Solidarity” and the Polish democratic opposition in the fight for freedom and human rightsbut also to those who were inspired by the “Solidarity” movement in their countries.
On Sunday, the European Solidarity Center in Gdańsk hosted another medal award ceremony. It was awarded to Dr. Jacqueline Hayden, an Irish journalist and scientist, who offered the ECS her rich collection of interviews with the leading figures of “Solidarity” from the 1980s.
ECS director Basil Kerski said that the Medal of Gratitude shows that “there is no change without such human solidarity, without someone saying +I identify with this+”. – Today, we thank Mrs Jacqueline not only for what she did, but also for the lasting bridges she built. Polish z IrelandPoland with the world – he stressed.
Basil Kerski about the Medal of GratitudeTVN24
“A symbol of all that we fought for a long time and finally won”
Bogdan Lis, an activist of “Solidarity”, also spoke at the ceremony. – Poland, Poles, we are a country that has many different anniversaries in its history. But this June 4 is special because it is a happy anniversary, which is the result of the success that Poles have achieved. It is a watershed between post-war Poland and modern Poland, he said.
– I am very happy that this medal is presented on such an anniversary. It is also a symbol of everything that we fought for for a long time and finally won – added Lis.
Hayden: getting to know “Solidarity” I learned a lot about who I am
“I’m very moved, it’s an honour,” said the award-winning Hayden.
Jacqueline HaydenTVN24
She also recalled the 1980s, when she met people from “Solidarity”. – Getting to know the values presented by “Solidarity” I learned a lot about who I am and what I believe in. I learned it from people I had the honor of meeting.
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Main photo source: TVN24