Belgium commemorates end of World War II in Brussels

The end of the Second World War was commemorated on Sunday at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Brussels, in the presence of Minister of Defence Ludivine Dedonder and President of the Chamber of Representatives Eliane Tillieux. It is exactly 77 years ago today that the German army capitulated and the Allies won.

Several foreign ambassadors, a representative of the Belgian King and political representatives were present at the ceremony. The royal marine band played music and the armed forces were represented by the Regiment Carabiniers Prins Boudewijn - Grenadiers from Leopoldsburg. Two young soldiers took the floor during the ceremony.

"Today the whole world is looking at Ukraine, where history is repeating itself and soldiers are going to war against each other, driven by their own convictions or those of their leaders. How many of them will end up nameless? How can we turn the courage of our heroes into the courage to avoid the recurring violence all together?" said one of the soldiers.

After the testimonies, the King's representative, Minister Dedonder and other political representatives laid several wreaths of flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a minute's silence was held.

(TOM)

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Brussels. - © BELGA OLIVIER MATTHYS/NILS QUINTELIER