On June 12, 2013, during a solemn ceremony at the Mazovian Voivodeship Office in Warsaw, Father Lech Nowiński CR was awarded the Cross of Freedom and Solidarity for his merits in activities for independence and sovereignty and respecting human rights in the People's Republic of Poland. The award was granted by the President of the Republic of Poland at the request of the Silesian Branch of the Institute of National Remembrance, and the presentation was made - on behalf of the President of the Republic of Poland - by the Mazovian Voivode.

Father Lech Nowiński, upon starting work at the power plant in Ruda Śląska, actively joined the structures of NSZZ Solidarność. He was a member of the editorial team of the bulletin "Ostrogi". After the declaration of martial law, he participated in organizing protest actions. He was arrested and held in several detention centers. Interned in the camp in Uherce Mineralne in the Bieszczady Mountains. Released from internment due to amnesty on the occasion of the Polish Rebirth Day. Subsequently, he was "preventively" detained for 48 hours on the occasion of any anniversaries that threatened potential riots.