Belgium is celebrating the 80th anniversary of its liberation from Nazi rule in the Second World War with a series of official events and festivities put on by the City of Brussels throughout Tuesday.
The day’s proceedings began at 10:00 at the Congress Column, where a moment of reflection and remembrance was held before the parade progressed towards the Grand Place for the official speeches and additional festivities.
Wreathes were laid at the foot of the Congress Column by representatives from various diplomatic corps, alongisde the City of Brussels Mayor Philippe Close, representatives from the Piron Brigade led by Count Henri d’Oultremont, Welsh Guards, and a delegation from Dachsbeck Primary School.
Credit: Belga / Lou Lampaert
"We are here to commemorate the sacrifices, courage and unity that helped our city reclaim its freedom," said Philippe Close. "Today, through this commemoration, we’re honouring the spirit of Brussels, a city whose spirit of resistance never faltered."
However, whilst acknowledging a "fragile peace in parts of Europe", the Mayor also extended his thoughts to Ukrainians "suffering from the absolute violence" since the war with Russia began.
Speaking to the younger generation, Count D’Oultremont stressed the importance of "remembering this war for as long as possible, to ensure it does not happen again."
One of the last Belgian representatives of the Piron brigade, Count Henri d'Oultremont, during the commemorations of the 80th anniversary of the liberation. Tuesday 03 September 2024. Credit: Belga / Lou Lampaert
Following these observances, the parade, led by the Welsh Guards Band, arrived at the Grand Place where the official speeches commenced from 11:30am. As part of the 80th anniversary celebrations, the Manneken-Pis statue was dressed in its commando uniform.
A mural entitled Memory, created by artists Denis Meyers together with various Brussels schools, will be on public display.
On the Grand Place, free festivities and shows will continue throughout the day – until 20:00 – including a military re-enactment exhibition showcasing vehicles from the Second World War and a historical encampment.
Bands such as the Welsh Guards Band, Jake Walker, Along Comes Mary and the Reverent Juke will be performing jazz and swing music to entertain throughout the day.
From 2 to 6 September, a photo exhibition and screenings of documentaries about the liberation of Brussels and other significant events related to this date will be held at the Hotel de Ville’s Salle des Milices and Salle Ogivale. Entry is free, but schools must register in advance.
The exhibition is open to the public on weekends from 14:00 to 20:00, and on weekdays from 16:00 to 20:00 (except for Friday, 6 September, when it closes at 16:00).
