Calls to mark historic events of August 1980 with a national holiday

They want to see the historic events of August 1980 that sounded the death knell of the communist era commemorated across the country. "Sooner or later this date should become a joyful national festival, as we have a good reason to celebrate," said Lech Wałźsa. There is every chance that the Parliament will soon start working on the matter because heads of all the leading political parties speak favorably about the initiative. Józef Oleksy and other politicians are unanimous, as they all claim that 'The Independence and Solidarity Day' would remind the world about the irreversible changes in the communist system brought about by Polish solidarity. (Rzeczpospolita, pp. A1,A4) J.J.