Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970

The Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers of 1970, also known as the Monument to the Victims of December 1970, is a unique structure located in Gdańsk, in close proximity to the Gdańsk Shipyard. It was unveiled on December 16, 1980, on the tenth anniversary of the tragic events that took place in December 1970 and resulted in the deaths of many shipyard workers. Designed by a team of architects and artists, the monument consists of three impressive crosses, each standing 42 meters tall, made of acid-resistant steel, with anchors suspended from them. Each cross weighs 36 tons, and the anchors weigh approximately 2 tons each. The lower part of the monument features bas-reliefs depicting scenes from the lives of the shipyard workers, and inscriptions include quotes from Psalm 29 and a fragment of Czesław Miłosz’s poem "You Who Wronged." The initiative to build the monument came from Henryk Lenarciak, chairman of the Metalworkers' Trade Union, who in 1971 called for the construction of a memorial dedicated to the shipyard workers. The realization of this idea only became possible after the signing of the August Agreements in 1980, which opened the door for collaboration among various groups to raise funds for the monument's construction. Renowned Polish artists, including Wojciech Mokwiński and Maria Korpalska, participated in the project. Despite attempts by the authorities to delay construction and change the monument’s name to also commemorate fallen militia members, the determination of trade union activists, including Anna Walentynowicz, ensured the project was completed in its original form. The unveiling ceremony was highly emotional and featured a performance of Krzysztof Penderecki’s "Lacrimosa," specially commissioned for the occasion by Lech Wałęsa. An interesting aspect of the event was the absence of Primate Stefan Wyszyński during the consecration ceremony, which further underscored the uniqueness of the occasion. The monument not only symbolizes the victims of the December 1970 events but also stands as an important element of Polish history and national identity, reminding visitors of the struggle for freedom and truth during the difficult period of the Polish People's Republic. The Monument to the Fallen Shipyard Workers is not only an architectural achievement but also a significant cultural site that attracts both locals and tourists eager to learn about the history of Poland and Gdańsk.