King Filip commemorated Armistice Day at 11 a.m. on Wednesday morning at the Congress Column in Brussels. Prime Minister Alexander De Croo attended the commemoration at the Menin Gate in Ypres, for the first time without an audience.
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On November 11, 1918 at 11 a.m. World War I came to an end, 102 years ago. That was commemorated on Wednesday in the Congress column in Brussels, although the ceremony was more sober than usual due to the corona crisis. There was no music band and the representatives of the veterans were not there this time.
During a short military ceremony, a minute of silence was held after a flower garland was placed at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Then the king fanned the eternal flame with his saber and the Last Post sounded.
Two new faces represented the federal government: Minister of the Interior Annelies Verlinden (CD&V) and Minister of Defense Ludivine Dedonder (PS). The new Chief of Defense (CHOD) Michel Hofman was of course also present.
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo attended the commemoration of Armistice at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Traditionally a big event with thousands of participants and spectators, but that had to change this year. The Last Post Association, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) and the city of Ypres have joined forces to organize a corona-safe memorial, with just four guests, one clarinet player and a bagpipe player, at a good distance from each other.
In addition to Prime Minister De Croo, Mayor Emmily Talpe was also present, together with the chairman of the Last Post Association, Benoit Mottrie, and the director of the CWGC in Ypres, Geert Bekaert.
During the ceremony – which could be followed via livestream – wreaths were laid, the Prime Minister pronounced the Exhortation and the paper petals of poppies fluttered down from the roof of the Menin Gate during the minute of silence. The four participants wanted to support those who cannot be there this year.
‘Even in these difficult times it is important that we continue to commemorate the Armistice in an appropriate manner, especially here in Ypres. During the First World War, our country was the battlefield of the whole world, ‘says De Croo.
Mayor Talpe welcomed the Prime Minister’s arrival. “We are delighted that the Prime Minister came to attend the November 11 ceremony in our city today. It also again indicates the important role of Ypres in the commemoration of the First World War. ‘
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