Civic and community leaders gathered in Worcester to pay respect to victims of oppression.

December 13 marked the 41st anniversary of the imposition of martial law in Poland, which lasted from 1981 to 1983.

On Christmas Eve in 1981, US President Reagan and Pope John Paul II placed candles in their windows as a symbol of solidarity.

To continue this tradition, Worcestershire Polish Association organised for a candle to be lit at Guildhall.

Founder of the association, Tom Wisniewski, has called for others to do the same.

He said: “Let's show that in this difficult pandemic year, the year of Russian aggression against Ukraine, crisis, suffering, we do not forget about those to whom we owe this freedom, remembering also those who are fighting for their freedom today.

“Let's light candles in the windows of our houses and outside the Worcester Guildhall.

“Let us be united by this common symbolic gesture and reflection on the price and value of freedom.

“And let the flames of candles in our windows be a sign of hope for freedom for those who still lack it.”

Worcester News: Robert Jankowski, Marta Kojscarz, Tomasz Wisniewski, Rebecca Lisa, David Blake and Robert McCarthy Robert Jankowski, Marta Kojscarz, Tomasz Wisniewski, Rebecca Lisa, David Blake and Robert McCarthy (Image: Tom Wisniewski)

Mr Wiśniewski explained the burning candle is a sign of respect for the suffering of separated families and for the courage of those who, despite the threat of repression, did not stop their opposition activities.

It is also a sign of support for those who still fight for freedom today, who suffer persecution for their activities for the sovereignty of their countries.

Mr Wiśniewski met with the managing director of Worcester City Council David Blake, Robert McCarthy, Marta Kojscarz, Rebecca Lisa, Robert Jankowski gathered at the Guildhall on Tuesday to light the candle.

Mrs Kojscarz said: "We remember all the victims, we remember those repressed under martial law.

"We remember their courage and strength eventually brought down communism, and Poland regained its freedom."

Worcester News: Tom Wisniewski and David BlakeTom Wisniewski and David Blake (Image: Tom Wisniewski)

The Mayor of Worcester, councillor Adrian Gregson, added: “It is vitally important that we remember such anniversaries as these, not only to remember those who have fought injustice in the past, but also as a reminder of all those who are fighting for their freedom today.”