The city of Ypres (West Flanders) commemorated the 106th anniversary of the Armistice on Monday morning. The ceremony took place not under, but next to, the Menin Gate, a monument to the Commonwealth dead of the First World War, currently under renovation. Flemish ministers Matthias Diependaele and Ben Weyts notably attended the ceremony.
The Great War ended on November 11, 1918 at 11:00 a.m. after four years of fighting. This Armistice Day has since been an opportunity to commemorate all the victims, civilian and military, of this war and those that followed.
Like last year, the ceremony took place next to the Menin Gate, due to renovation work. Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele and Flemish Heritage Minister Ben Weyts were present. Mr. Diependaele notably performed a piece of Laurence Binyon’s famous poem “For the Fallen”.
Benoit Mottrie, president of the Last Post association, which organizes the ceremony each year, referred to a quote from Albert Einstein, who declared that the world was a dangerous place in which to live. “His words seem more urgent than ever as we witness conflicts around the world” he said.
“Some world leaders are even hinting at the use of weapons of mass destruction. Many believe we are closer than ever to a third world war. At the same time, we must realize that peace is more than the absence of war. Peace must also allow us to live our lives as we wish, in freedom and security..”
armistice of november 11 ypres commemoration first world war
Belgium
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