Royal Canadian Legion

Liberation of Belgium Ceremonies 10-11 September 2011

The members of Zone Europe provided a Colour Party and participated in a number of ceremonies over our two day stay in Belgium. At 0815 hours on Saturday 10 September we parades the Colours and attend the Operation Switchback March in the town of Ursel which consisted of a dedication ceremony and a wreath laying ceremony at the town memorial. There was also a Canadian Military contingent from SHAPE who participated in the march. Following the ceremony the organizing committee invited us to a breakfast and extended their appreciation for our participation.

At 1030 hours we did a Legion Ceremony at the Memorial in Morbrugge to pay our respects to the soldiers that lost their lives in the first fighting in Belgium and are honoured on this memorial. We were met by a local city council member who extended his appreciation to us for conducting this ceremony and incvired us for refreshments at a nearby cafe.

At 1400 hours we conducted a ceremony at the IJzendijke Memorial in the Netherlands which is posted saperately on this website.

Following the IJzendijke Ceremony we visited the Old Windmill in Schoondijke (code named Gentel) which was a safe have for downed Aircrew during the war and part of the underground escape route to get them back to England.

Sunday 11 September we provided a Colour Party and participated in the Liberation of Belgium Ceremony at the Canadian War Cemetery in Adegem. It was good to see that in addition to the Canadians that finally the British and Polish soldiers laid to rest there was also represented by government officials. The ceremony was well done with a military band, a choire and the participation of the local school group. Our piper was the official piper for the ceremony and marched us into position and out following the ceremony.

Following the official ceremony we did a private ceremony at two graves of Canadians; CORPORAL EDGAR ARUNDELL at the request of his daughter Sandra from England who was unable to attend this year and SAMUAL DAVID KENNEDY on behalf of his family who had been in contact with me from Canada.

We attended the reception following the ceremony and had the opportunity to meet old friends and make new ones. After the reception we visited the Canadian Museum where the owner Comrade Gilbert and his family provided us with a free lunch which was appreciated by all.

During supper that evening we bid farewell to our Belgium members and left for home the next morning

Random Photos of the Events