On the eve of the 11 th November anniversary an official “Evening with the Independence” took place in the Magistrate chamber, during which the events dating back ninety years were recalled by:Stanisław Szuro – member of the Main Board of the Political Prisoners' of the Stalinist Period Union and lieutenant-colonel Franciszek Oremus – chairman of the Main Board of the National Army Soldiers' and the Political Prisoners’ Society.

The numerously attending guests listened to this very special history lesson concerning the Independence for which many a generation fought in Poland. Heroes were recalled, frequently nameless,who would never let the existence of the Polish nation be forgotten, even if Poland disappeared from the map of the world.

The words of poem by Adam Asnyk introduced a mood of meditation and reflection, which accompanied the Monday “Evening with the Independence” in Wieliczka.

The ceremony was accompanied by the witnesses of history: lieutenant-colonel Franciszek Oremus - chairman of the Main Board of the National Army Soldiers and the Political Prisoners’ Society, Tadeusz Piotrowski – chairman of the Wieliczka branch of the World National Army Society, Henryk Ptak – chairman of the Civic-Municipal Republic of Poland War Veterans and Former Political Prisoners’ Club in Wieliczka, Stanisław Szuro – member of the Main Board of the Political Prisoners’ of the Stalinist Period Union as well as the representatives of the self-government, uniformed services, societies, clubs, priests, directors and numerously gathered youth.

The Independence ceremonies are often an occasion to present distinctions and medals.Mayor Artur Kozioł along with Piotr Kurek, member of the Presiding Board of the World National Army Soldiers’ Society honoured with the Pro Memoria medal the following persons:Tadeusz Piotrowski – chairman of the Wieliczka branch of the World National Army Society, Stanisław Dziedzic – president of the general Rowecki-Grot Historic Club Board, Jadwiga Duda – member of the general Rowecki-Grot Historic Club Board and Piotr Kaczor – member of the Historic Club.

“The Polish ways to Independence” – such was the title of the poetry and art contest in which participated the children and youth from the Wieliczka Municipality schools.
The submitted art works were to be admired during the exhibition accompanying the ceremony in the Magistrate chamber.

The poetry works were presented in front of the gathered public by the authors themselves.

The art exhibition in the Magistrate chamber was accompanied by the exposition entitled “The Wieliczka residents in the fight for the Independencce” prepared by the District and Civic Public Library of Wieliczka.

“The year 1918 has come, the year of great historic events.The nation may rejoice.The fight has ended.The songs that accompanied the soldiers remained.With them the people welcomed their beloved Leader – Józef Piłsudski.These songs are in the hearts and souls of all the Poles” – with such words began the concert of patriotic songs performed by the “Lute” Singers’ Society directed by Jadwiga Szado.

After a short performance by the choir, all the gathered have been invited to sing the patriotic songs together.

The last, yet very significant accent of the “Evening with the Independence” was the ceremonial passage of the gathered assisted by the scouts holding burning torches to the obelisk commemorating regaining of the independence where the candles were lit for “the memory of the heroes”.

While the residents of Wieliczka lit the commemorative candles,the Podstolice Brass Band performed the Polish patriotic Legions songs.