Tragedy whispers from this very spot. It is here, at the Jean Corbisier Plaque, where we remember a life tragically cut short. This plaque stands as a stark reminder of wartime horrors and the bravery of resistance. The Jean Corbisier Plaque is a personal memorial in Brussels. It bears witness to the occupation and resistance during the war.
Jean Corbisier was a postman. He was shot by the Germans on September 4, 1916. This plaque marks the place where Jean Corbisier lived. The inscription reads that he died for his country.
It’s moving to see these personal memorials. Brussels Remembers chose this plaque as a featured memorial in August 2002. This is because it is representative of personal and touching memorials in Brussels.
Corbisier is commemorated on three memorials. One is a list of those held at St Gilles Prison. They were eventually shot by the Germans. Another similar plaque exists for Louis Neyts. He was another postman shot on the same day. The Post Office likely put up both plaques. Did they work together? Did they join the resistance together? Were they shot together for that reason? We can only wonder.
But there’s another Jean Corbisier to remember. This Jean Corbisier was a professor. He was one of the founders of Catholic Scouting. In 1920, at the 1st World Scout Jamboree in London, Jean Corbisier decided to create an international umbrella for Catholic Boy Scouts. Jacques Sevin and Mario di Carpegna joined him. They created the International Bureau of Catholic Scouting. Pope Benedict XV supported this idea.
In 1922, at the 2nd International Scout Conference in Paris, Catholic Boy Scouts from many countries created the International Catholic Scouting Organization. World War II ended the OISC.
So, while standing here at the Jean Corbisier Plaque, remember two men. Jean Corbisier, the postman. Jean Corbisier, the professor and founder of Catholic Scouting. Both men left a mark. One through sacrifice. The other through service. This plaque reminds us of courage, loss, and the enduring spirit of humanity.