A ceremony was held in Brussels on Thursday morning in memory of the two firefighters killed in an attack by the Communist Combatant Cells (CCC) 40 years ago.
Organised by the Federation of Enterprises in Belgium (FEB), the commemoration brought together members of the FEB and Brussels firefighters, who pay tribute to their two deceased colleagues every year.
On the night of 1 May 1985, a van bomb exploded near the FEB headquarters on Rue des Sols in Brussels. Two firefighters, Marcel Bergen and Jacques Van Marcke, lost their lives in the attack carried out by the CCC. The far-left organisation, founded in June 1983, claimed responsibility for 21 attacks during a period marked by the Cold War, protests against European missiles in Europe and the Brabant Killers.
Firefighters pictured during the commemorative ceremony. Credit: Belga/Lou Lampaert
On Thursday, flowers were laid on the pavement of Rue des Sols, at the scene of the tragedy. A minute's silence was observed, followed by speeches.
In addition to the Brussels Fire Brigade, the Director General of the FEB Pieter Timmermans, City of Brussels Mayor Philippe Close (PS), and a representative of the Minister of the Interior, Bernard Quintin (MR), attended the tribute.
"40 years after this cowardly terrorist act, the memory of the victims' courage remains alive. Today, we commemorate their commitment and sacrifice," said Timmermans.
"All partners involved in democratic dialogue, in particular the social partners, have a duty to firmly oppose all forms of violence. Because consultation ends where violence begins. I hope that this conviction will bring comfort to the families and friends who lost loved ones here 40 years ago," concluded Timmermans.
