A bronze figure gazes resolutely ahead. This is the Gabrielle Petit statue. It stands in Place Saint-Jean a tribute to a remarkable woman. Gabrielle Petit was a Belgian saleswoman. She became a spy during World War I.
Born in 1893 Petit volunteered for the Belgian Red Cross. She soon proved herself invaluable. Petit helped her wounded fiance escape to the Netherlands. She then passed crucial information to the British. MI1 recognized her potential. They recruited her as a secret agent.
For nearly two years Petit worked tirelessly. She gathered intelligence. She supported the Mot du Soldat underground mail service. She aided soldiers crossing the Dutch border. Her bravery knew no bounds.
Tragically her cover was blown. A German agent exposed her. Petit was arrested tried and condemned to death. She refused amnesty. She refused to betray her comrades. On April 1 1916 she faced a firing squad. At only 23 years old she died a hero. Her last words allegedly were I will show them that a Belgian woman knows how to die. Long live the King Long live Belgium.
After the war Petit became a national symbol. She was a martyr for her country. In 1919 she received a state funeral. The Queen attended. Her remains were buried with full military honors. This magnificent bronze statue by Egide Rombaux was erected in 1923. It was the first sculpture dedicated to a working-class woman. It stands as a lasting testament to her courage her sacrifice and her unwavering patriotism. Look closely at her determined expression. It perfectly embodies the spirit of Gabrielle Petit.