The National Defence Commission approved a resolution on Wednesday by Open VLD MP Kjell Vander Elst concerning "education, memory, and citizenship related to the Belgian resistance during Second World War."
The resolution specifically highlights 8 May, marking the end of Second World War in Europe with the Nazi Germany’s surrender. This day was previously a national holiday, later abolished for economic reasons.
Kjell Vander Elst does not advocate for reinstating the public holiday but requests the Federal Government to recognise 8 May as an official date of commemoration for the war’s atrocities and the resistance efforts.
The resolution also calls for increased focus on education, memory, and citizenship. "It’s important to teach today’s children and tomorrow’s adults about the sacrifices the resistance fighters made 80 years ago for future generations," stated the Flemish liberal MP.
Open VLD's Kjell Vander Elst is pictured at a plenary session of the chamber of the federal parliament in Brussels, Thursday 06 February 2025. Credit: Belga
It further promotes closer collaboration between research institutions, such as the War Heritage Institute (WHI) and the Centre for Historical Research and Documentation on War and Contemporary Society (CegeSoma), to foster a stronger culture of remembrance and societal awareness about the resistance’s impact.
Vlaams Belang abstained from voting, while the other groups voted in favour. The resolution will now proceed to the plenary session of the Chamber.
