Every year, on the 11th of November, the world falls silent, as many nations observe Armistice day (or veterans Day, or Remembrance Day, depending on the country), the day on which the treaty that marked the end of World War I was signed.
King Philippe of the Belgians was the highest ranking authority present at the ceremony that Belgium organises each year in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a monument located at the Congress Column in Brussels.
His Majesty was accompanied by the Presidents of the Chamber and the Senate, as well as representatives from the government and veterans from the various branches of the Belgian Armed Forces at the event on November 11th 2021.
The King laid a flower wreath in front of the monument, adding to the ones already laid by other authorities, and observed a minute of silence.
War heroes commemoration ceremonies look similar all throughout the world: a homage to those who sacrificed their freedom, their health and their life to bring our world ro the more peaceful state it is today.
In Belgium, the day is observed to specifically honour those who were sacrificed in the two World Wars, as well as those who lost their lives in conflicts and peacekeeping operations since 1945.
It is to be expected that Princess Elisabeth, the Duchess of Brabant and heir to the Belgian throne, will soon join her father in taking on such duties, as her military education was completed in August of 2021 and she will one day be the chief of the armed forces.
