Royals to attend ceremonies remembering 2016 terrorist attacks
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will attend ceremonies on Sunday marking 10 years since the terrorist attacks at Maelbeek metro station and Brussels Airport that killed 32 people.
The royal couple and prime minister Bart De Wever will attend three ceremonies on Sunday. The first will take place at Brussels Airport, where two bombs exploded at 7:58 on Tuesday 22 March 2016. The second will be at Maelbeek in Brussels’ European quarter, where a further bomb exploded at 9:11.
Finally, there will be a ceremony at the Monument to the Victims of Acts of Terror in Rue de la Loi, close to Cinquantenaire Park, where the names of those who died will be read aloud. A minute’s silence will be observed, with speeches, testimonies and an artistic contribution. The commemorations will be televised.
The events have been organised by the federal government, Brussels Airport and Brussels public transport company STIB-MIVB, in consultation with those injured and bereaved by the attacks. “It is a moment of reflection and tribute to the victims of the 2016 attacks and other acts of terrorism in Belgium and abroad,” the Palace said.
On Saturday, the STIB is organising a “human chain of hope” at 10:00 at Maelbeek, in tribute to the victims and in recognition of the role played by the emergency services and first responders. Anyone can attend. Civilians are asked to wear white while members of the emergency services will be in uniform.
"These ceremonies are important for preserving a record and a memory of the event," says Christelle Giovannetti, a member of victims' association Life for Brussels. "They allow the victims to see each other again, to come together at least once a year."
Prime minister Charles Michel, Queen Mathilde and King Philippe attend a tribute to the victims on the first anniversary of the Brussels terrorist attacks © BELGA PHOTO POOL DIDIER LEBRUN
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