The President welcomed the guests and announced the authorities present.
He then invited Patricia Venturelli, Mayor of Rebecq, to give her welcoming address.
Then it is his turn to deliver his speech:
"Ladies and gentlemen,
Today is a great day!
In a few moments, the mythical aircraft responsible for the destruction of a large part of the Nazi weapons manufacturing facilities will fly over these places.
This brings us to honour those to whom we owe our fundamental freedoms and independence confiscated and violated by the terror regime that was Nazism..."
To read the rest of the speech, download the text in PDF format here
View the video shot by Eliane Keppens by clicking here
Then comes the naming of the Heroes.
First, the civilians arrested during the June 26, 1944 raid are named.
This was followed by those of the crew of the Lancaster JA712-BQ-H, which crashed there on 28 May 1944.
Each name is belled by the gong that is sounded by Olivia.
View the video shot by Eliane Keppens by clicking here
The children present at the scene lay down with Wilfred Burie, President of "The Belgians Remember Them" the unique wreath of poppies on behalf of all present people.
The "Last Post" opens this moment of respect to the heroes we celebrate today.
Laurence Binyon’s poem "L'Exhortation" is recited by Emma in French and by Wilfred in English.
A minute of silence follows, performed by Olivia’s bell.
The poem "Kohima" by John Maxwell Edmonds ends the minute of silence. It is recited by Lydie in French and by Wilfred in English.
The bell of the "Reveille" ends this emotional moment.
View the video shot by Eliane Keppens by clicking here
Finally, the performance of the Canadian, British and Belgian anthems concludes the ceremony.
"O Canada" & God save the King" - View the video shot by Eliane Keppens by clicking here"La Brabançonne" - View the video shot by Eliane Keppens by clicking here
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