November 11 is a day of remembrance for the fallen soldiers of the First World War. Almost everywhere in the region, tributes follow one another but meet with less and less interest.
In Dinant, residents and municipal authorities paid tribute to the people of Dinant who died for their homeland during the 14-18 war, as well as to all the inhabitants who fell while defending their country or their city. A moment full of great emotion. Thierry Bodlet, mayor:
It is important that current generations become aware of what happened in the past. It is important that they realize the importance of getting involved in the community.
The ceremony followed a traditional procedure: the Te Deum in the collegiate church, the procession to the town hall, then the laying of wreaths at the war memorial, all accompanied by an orchestra conducted by Alain Crepin. The event was held in strict compliance with protocol rules. Jean-Marc Van Rossem, retired soldier responsible for patriotic ceremonies:
When I receive the names and ranks of the different people present, I make a list for the town hall, for citations. I also ensure the order of the flag bearers and the order in which the wreaths are laid in front of the war memorial.
A tradition doomed to disappear?
Despite the organization’s efforts to honor their fallen ancestors with dignity, citizens’ interest in these commemorations seems to be waning. There are fewer and fewer of them participating. Today, in Dinant, there are only five standard bearers left. None experienced the Second World War. Dominique Lechat took over the association of flag bearers in Dinant in 2004:
It’s a tradition that is being lost, and I hope it can continue. Today, there is no one to pick up after me.
To arouse the interest of younger generations, the city invites Dinant school students each year to participate in the May 8 commemorations. If the elders continue to pay homage with fervor, the next generation is rare. A challenge for the years to come: to keep alive the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for the homeland, and hope that younger generations respond to this call to remembrance.
