The funeral of Ann-Laure Decadt took place on Saturday morning in Oostnieuwkerke, West Flanders. The 31-year-old mother of two young children was hit by a car on October 31 during a truck attack in New York. 1,700 people showed up, some of whom braved the bad weather and followed the funeral outside on a large screen.
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Ann-Laure Decadt was on a city trip to New York with her mother and two sisters when disaster struck: at 3:05 PM, terrorist Sayfullo Saipov, 29, turned up on West Street (in Manhattan) with a rented pickup. He steered his vehicle into the midst of the crowd, killing eight people in the process. Also 31-year-old Ann-Laure from Oostnieuwkerke (Staden), mother of two young children.
‘Five years ago we were still here for your wedding’
An estimated 1,700 people attended the funeral. Most of it braved the cold weather and followed on a big screen outside. They heard, among other things, the father of the victim, Frank Decadt. “Five years ago we stood here together for your wedding. A promising marriage. I cannot describe the injustice done to you. If everyone had your attitude, the world would look very different. Our family will never be the same again,” said the agitated man. “I was so pleased that the four of you had gone to New York. But an absurd attack and fate have turned it into something incomprehensible.’
Friedel and Justine, the victim’s sisters, also testified. “We can’t believe we can’t dance in our New York hotel, that we can’t have dinner together on Sunday nights. What was supposed to be a beautiful memory turned into a nightmare. You were a wonderful mom. Because of your two children we will remember what you were like. We will surround them with love.’
Jan Jambon, Minister of Security and the Interior, also attended the ceremony. “Our country is in mourning after what happened. So I think it’s important to be here. We are awakened by terrorism every time.’ Mayor Francesco Vanderjeugd knew Decadt. ‘She was a committed, warm figure in our congregation. Today our community is in deep mourning. The way in which is incomprehensible.’
2,000 people showed up for a silent vigil in Oostnieuwkerke on Friday evening. The wake was organized by some friends of Ann-Laure and the chiro of Oostnieuwkerke. Wim Opbrouck opened the vigil with a text that preached for love, peace and humanity, and especially against hate. After those comforting words, a procession of about one and a half kilometers started through the village center of Oostnieuwkerke.
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Photo: Stefaan Beel
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Photo: Stefaan Beel
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