Perhaps you’ve heard of the Menin Gate. It stands as a solemn reminder of sacrifice and loss. This memorial in Ypres, Belgium, is dedicated to British and Commonwealth soldiers. They were killed in the Ypres Salient during World War I. Their graves are unknown. The Brug van Menen, as it’s known in Dutch, marks a poignant spot. It’s near where Allied soldiers marched toward the front lines.
In medieval times, a narrow gateway stood here. It was called the Hangoartpoort. “Poort” means gate in Dutch. Over the centuries, the city was fortified. The gateway became known as the Menin Gate. The road through it led to the town of Menen.
Ypres held a strategic position during World War I. It stood in the path of Germany’s planned advance. The Allies defended Ypres. It became the last major Belgian town not under German control. Five major battles raged around it. Soldiers passed through the Menin Gate on their way to the front. About 300,000 died in the Ypres Salient. Around 90,000 have no known graves.
The Menin Gate we see today was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield. It was unveiled on July 24, 1927. The memorial is a triumphal arch. It honors the Missing. The Hall of Memory contains names on stone panels. There are 54,395 Commonwealth soldiers. They died in the Salient. Their bodies were never identified.
An inscription inside the archway reads: “Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.” It means: “To the greater glory of God.” It also says: “Here are recorded names of officers and men who fell in Ypres Salient. But to whom the fortune of war denied the known and honoured burial given to their comrades in death.”
The city of Ypres wanted to express gratitude. Every evening since 1928, buglers sound the “Last Post.” This happens at 8 PM. The road passing under the memorial closes. The ceremony has continued almost uninterrupted. German occupation during World War II caused a pause.
The “Last Post” marks the end of the day’s labors. It represents a final farewell to the fallen. The “Reveille” was played at the beginning of the day. It rouses troops to their duties. It symbolizes a return to daily life. It also symbolizes the resurrection of the fallen.
Two stone lions once guarded the original gate. They were damaged by shellfire. In 1936, the Mayor of Ypres donated them to the Australian War Memorial. They now stand at its entrance. Replicas of the lions now stand at the Menin Gate.
Even today, remains of missing soldiers are found. They are given proper burial. If identified, their names are removed from the Menin Gate. The Brug van Menen remains a powerful symbol of remembrance. It urges us to never forget the sacrifices made here.