Forty-two years ago today, on July 21, 1983 (June 12, 1983 lunar calendar), the Polish government lifted the martial law. On July 21, 1983, Polish officials announced today that they were about to formally lift the martial law, which had restricted Poles' lives for 19 months. Polish leader General Wojciecz-Jaruzelski imposed martial law in December 1981 to suppress the independent Solidarity trade union. Despite today's decision, Poles will not see much change, and many of the provisions of the control have been fully written into the statute. Jaruzelski said the end of martial law was "proof of the good will of the authorities". However, he added strongly: "Any activity aimed at anti-socialism will remain firmly stopped as always.