Events

NATIONAL CEREMONIES

Three commemorative ceremonies with international scope

In an effort to accurately reflect historical reality, to highlight the important role played by Belgium in the conflict, to honour both the military and civilian victims and to include a citizen focus in the commemorations, the federal government has chosen three highly symbolic locations, each reflecting different aspects of the war: Liège, Ypres (Ieper) and Brussels.

04/08/2014
Liège

Commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Belgium’s invasion by Germany and the violation of Belgian neutrality. Theme: resistance to invasion.

Commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Belgium’s invasion by Germany and the violation of Belgian neutrality. Theme: resistance to invasion.

28/10/2014
Ypres (Ieper) and Nieuwpoort

Commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Ypres. Theme: refusal to surrender and the flooding of the Yser plain. The Soldier King (Albert I) will be honoured.

Commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Ypres. Theme: refusal to surrender and the flooding of the Yser plain. The Soldier King (Albert I) will be honoured.

11/11/2018
Brussels

Commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice. Theme: the end of war, the return to peace and reconstruction.

Commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice. Theme: the end of war, the return to peace and reconstruction.

The federal authorities will take part in commemorative ceremonies at the following sites

In addition to these ceremonies, the federal government will also take part in four large commemorative events with international scope, linked to key moments in the First World War:

04/08/2014
Mons

The United Kingdom’s entry into the war in response to the violation of Belgian neutrality. The British government has decided to commemorate this event on 4 August 2014 with ceremonies in the UK and in Mons (late afternoon), at the site where the first

The United Kingdom’s entry into the war in response to the violation of Belgian neutrality. The British government has decided to commemorate this event on 4 August 2014 with ceremonies in the UK and in Mons (late afternoon), at the site where the first British soldier fell.

01/01/2015 to 12/12/2016
Brussels-Capital Region

Between 2015 and 2016, events in the Brussels-Capital Region will focus on daily life during the occupation, acts of resistance and the role played by King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth.

Between 2015 and 2016, events in the Brussels-Capital Region will focus on daily life during the occupation, acts of resistance and the role played by King Albert I and Queen Elisabeth.

22/04/2015 to 28/05/2015
Ypres and Langemark-Poelkapelle

The Second Battle of Ypres and the first gas attacks will be remembered between 22 April and 28 May 2015.

The Second Battle of Ypres and the first gas attacks will be remembered between 22 April and 28 May 2015.

30/07/2017 to 31/07/2017
Ypres, Passchendaele

The Battle of Passchendaele, in which 500,000 people died, will be commemorated between 31 July and 6 November 2017. This remains a highly symbolic date in the Commonwealth countries.

The Battle of Passchendaele, in which 500,000 people died, will be commemorated on 30 and 31 July at the Menin Gate in Ypres and the Tyne Cot Cemetery in Passchendaele. This remains a highly symbolic date in the Commonwealth countries.