1940-1945 War memorial

Beneath the vast sky, the 1940-1945 War Memorial stands in silent tribute. It’s more than just stone and bronze here in Brussels. It is a living testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the Belgian people during World War II. The 1940-1945 War Memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the occupation that gripped Brussels from May 18, 1940, until its liberation by British troops on September 3, 1944. The 1940-1945 War Memorial doesn’t stand alone in its remembrance. The city bears the scars of war, visible and invisible. Scattered throughout Brussels are Stumbling Stones. These small, bronze plaques mark the last known residences of Jewish individuals who were victims of the Holocaust. Each stone tells a story of a life tragically cut short, a name, a date, a final destination. Beyond the urban landscape, just outside Brussels, lie more stories. The Enclosure of the Executed, a cemetery on the outskirts of the city, holds the remains of 365 Belgian resistance fighters. 261 of them were executed by the Nazis. Not far from there is Fort Breendonk. This former concentration camp stands as a chilling reminder of the atrocities committed during the war. The 1940-1945 War Memorial embodies the spirit of resistance. It honors the bravery of those who fought for freedom and the memory of those who perished. It stands as a symbol of hope for a future free from conflict. As you stand before the 1940-1945 War Memorial, take a moment to reflect on the sacrifices made. Remember the stories whispered by the stones and the echoes of history that resonate through the city.