Belgium commemorates fallen soldiers on Armistice Day

11 November 2025

Ypres and Brussels held ceremonies on Tuesday to pay tribute to the victims of the First World War, marking the 107th anniversary of Armistice Day.

The commemorations took place exactly 107 years after the guns fell silent on 11 November 1918, bringing the First World War to an end.

In Ypres, the main ceremony took place at the Menin Gate war memorial. This was the first time in two years that the event had taken place at the monument, which has undergone extensive renovations. Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele was among those attending.

Minute's silence

The ceremony began at 11.00, the exact time that hostilities ceased in 1918. Prior to gathering at the Menin Gate, several other commemorations took place, including services at the French cemetery of Saint-Charles de Potyze, St George’s Memorial Church, and St Martin’s Cathedral.

During the service, Diependaele read the "exhortation", after which a minute's silence was observed. Music was performed by the singer Wannes Cappelle and others.

In his speech, Benoit Mottrie, chairman of the Last Post Association, emphasised the ongoing importance of remembrance.

“Men, women and children are still being killed in Ukraine, Gaza, South Sudan and many other places,” he said. This ceremony encourages us to reflect on the past, but also to consider how we would respond to such situations today.”

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

Meanwhile, in Brussels, King Philippe led the national Armistice Day commemoration at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Congress Column. Accompanied by a military escort, he arrived at around 10.30 and laid a wreath at the monument.

Those in attendance included prime minister Bart De Wever, Defence minister Theo Francken, Interior minister Bernard Quintin, and representatives of Belgium’s top courts and regional authorities. The ceremony included a parade by the defence forces and also honoured the victims of the Second World War.

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