At the Tomb of the Unkown Soldier at the Congress Column in Brussels, officials commemorated the end of the Second World War on Monday 8 May – Victory in Europe Day (VE-Day).
This year, it is 78 years ago that the war came to an end in Europe, after the capitulation of the Nazi army.
"8 May 1945 marked the official end of World War II, the day after the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany," said a military official at the start of the ceremony. "The arms fell silent on that day, but 8 May means more than commemoration. It also means the fall of a regime that violated democratic values and human rights."
He added that 8 May is also "a symbol of friendship between peoples and the values of freedom and peace."
The ceremony at the Congress column – which takes place every year on this date – was attended by several foreign ambassadors, General Thierry Vandeveld as the King's representative, Federal Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne, Chamber President Eliane Tillieux, Senate President Stephanie D'Hose, Vice Chief of Defence General Marc Thys, and several Brussels MPs.
A minute's silence
Soldiers of the 1/3rd Lancers Battalion from Marche-en-Famenne formed the guard of honour. During the ceremony, a speech was held by a former combatant about his experiences during the last months of the War.
The King's representative laid a wreath of flowers in the name of the monarchs, after which a minute's silence was observed.
For Brussels, 8 May is a special day: in addition to the Allied victory over Nazi Germany, it is also the day of the Iris Festival – the birthday of the Capital Region. The Brussels Parliament has long wanted to make it a legal and paid holiday.
Credit: Belga/James Arthur Gekiere
