“Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime.”
(Ernest Hemingway). The 20th century brought two world wars to humanity, while at the same time inspiring the creation of organizations that are called upon to build a security structure - the League of Nations and later the UN. Unfortunately, people are not always exemplary students, and this experience, so different for everyone, is used both to find peaceful ways for nations to exist, and to unleash new wars and serve the achievements of humanity, by no means for the good...“This is a war to end all wars.”( Woodrow Wilson, 1917).President Woodrow Wilson made the saying famous, but he was not the first one who used it. The British futurist writer and social commentator H.G. Wells invented the phrase. He predicted that WWI would be the last war in his article titled “The War That Will End War,” published in The Daily News on Aug. 14, 1914.
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Peace is the most precious thing we have...
On Monday, November 11, 2024, Belgium celebrates Armistice Day, an important holiday that commemorates the end of World War I and symbolizes peace and the memory of the fallen. The day is deeply revered in the country as a moment of unity and gratitude for a peaceful future.
History of the holiday.
Armistice Day dates back to 1918, when the ceasefire agreement between the Allies and Germany was signed in Compiegne, France, ending the bloody battles of World War I. Belgium, which was one of the main arenas of the war, experienced the conflict particularly keenly, and the memory of its end has become an integral part of the national consciousness.
Traditions and customs
On this day, Belgium holds many memorial events and ceremonies, especially in cities where the military actions left a significant mark. For example, in Ypres, one of the cities affected by the war, a touching ceremony is held in honor of the fallen soldiers. At the Menin Gate memorial, a trumpet sounds its final salute every evening.
Residents and officials visit war cemeteries, lay wreaths and light candles to remember the soldiers who fought for peace. It is also common in Belgium to wear red poppies, a symbol of remembrance for those who died in the war.
Armistice Day today
Today Armistice Day is not only a historical holiday, but also a symbol of hope for a peaceful future. On this day, government offices, schools and many businesses are closed, giving Belgians the opportunity to spend time with family and friends, and to remember the lessons of the past.
The holiday reminds us of the importance of peace and gratitude for those who fought for it. It strengthens national unity and emphasizes the importance of remembrance for future generations.
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By celebrating Armistice Day, Belgium not only honors its history, but also reminds everyone of the value of peace. It is a special day for every Belgian and for those who remember the sacrifices made in the name of peace. In Brussels on this day The military ceremony near the Congress Column is dedicated to the memory of those who died during the two world wars and the soldiers who died during humanitarian and peace missions since 1945. The ceremony was held with the participation of His Majesty King Philippe, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and patriotic organizations, schoolchildren. Tibor Albert, Vice President Western Europe International Association of UN Peacekeepers "Soldiers of Peace" (AISP-SPIA), Président Confédération Européenne des Anciens Combattants et Militaires Brabant (C.E.A.C.), Serhii Samoilov, Director of youth programs International Association of UN Peacekeepers "Soldiers of Peace" (AISP/SPIA), founder of International projects "School of Peace" and "Young peacemakers" took part in the ceremony,
The ceremony was also attended by the Presidents of the House of Representatives and the Senate, representatives of the federal government and the Constituent Bodies. It takes place annually on November 11, the day of the signing of the armistice in 1918, ending the First World War. After the military ceremony of remembrance, units of various branches of the Belgian Armed Forces and the police marched in a solemn march. After the ceremony and working moments, the Senate continued.
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Children are our future.
The way we raise them is how they will treat us and society as a whole. Then they will educate the generations that follow them. Representatives of three schools from different regions of Belgium, from the Dutch part of Belgium, from Wallonia, the French part and from Luxembourg, gathered in the Belgian National Parliament.
The children played an original game, "What do we know about refugees?"
Then, in the room where the deputies sit, debates took place on the topic of emergency and military situations.
The debates were attended by veterans of UN peacekeeping missions and veterans of international operations, patriotic organizations. They took part in the debates and talked about their experiences, shared with the youth.
It is noteworthy that the event was held in two official languages of Belgium - Dutch and French, with a little English.
There was simultaneous translation via a headset at the deputies' workstations.
A bit of history ;
At 11 am on November 11, 1918, the guns of the Western Front suddenly fell silent after more than 4 years of continuous war. Germany signed an armistice. Thus ended the First World War.
As soon as the news spread, celebrations began in all the cities and towns of Belgium. Since then, Armistice Day (Armistice Day / Wapenstilstand) has been celebrated on this day.
November 11 is a public holiday in Belgium. It is celebrated on the anniversary of the signing of the armistice between the Entente and Germany on November 11, 1918 and is considered a day of remembranceall French and Belgian soldiers).
Thank you for the invitation and productive cooperation Ceacm Ecosm Belgium CEACM Brabant ECOSM Imosphinx Academy
Personally Thierry Plaitin, Tibor Albert
Medaille Brabant
Copyright - Serhii Samoilov, Director of youth programs International Association of UN Peacekeepers "Soldiers of Peace" (AISP/SPIA)/ corr.Sofiia Bondarenko, Assistant Director of youth programs International Association of UN Peacekeepers "Soldiers of Peace" (AISP/SPIA).
