2014-2018: 100 Jahre Erster Weltkrieg

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17.11.1915 - 167 bekannte deutsche Kriegstote

Eduard Zoglmeier

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Belgium

100th Anniversary of the First World War in Flanders

The First World War, which is also referred to as the Great War, was the first international conflict on a global level. Millions of soldiers and civilians died in this war. 100 years later, we are still convinced that the events of 1914 - 1918 have a fundamental impact on our society and that the victims of this terrible war deserve to be honoured in our memory.

WO1.BE

This Belgian topic page on the First World War combines information such as notices of events, literature, historical aspects, web links and much more, inviting you to browse and acquire information.

.be 2014 - 18

The First World War from 1914 to 1918 shook the history of our country and that of the whole world. «More than any other modern war, the First World War remains in our memories as the ultimate example of an imbalance between costs and consequences. It is the war of the ‘sacrificed generation’; sacrificed for a cause that, in retrospect, is difficult to narrow down » (Sophie De Schaepdrijver). Despite the demise of the last human witnesses, this war has left deep scars in our country's collective memory. Belgium assumed an important role in this war, due, in particular, to our soldiers' courageous resistance during the German invasion. « Poor little Belgium » had gained prestige throughout the world.

Belgium will therefore be given pride of place in the commemorative ceremonies to mark the 100th anniversary of this war, which will mainly take the form of national commemorations with an international dimension. Furthermore, the various administrative levels of the country will launch initiatives pertaining to culture, art, history and science for the period from 2014 to 2018.

Commemorer 14 - 18

The website informs you about historical matters as well as events, projects and news items.
A well-structured website that invites you to surf.
(Homepage in French)

"Forget-Me-Not"– Floral Symbol for Remembering the Casualties of War

Due to its name, the forget-me-not is an international symbol of remembrance as well as a loving last farewell, coupled with the expression of a desire to stay in the minds of loved ones. In many languages, it is called the same name with the same meaning. Numerous poems and songs have been written about this flower.

The "blue flower" is a well-known motif in German romanticism. It stands for longing and love. It is also an expression of the pursuit of perfection, as well as the futility of the human search for perfect happiness.

At the beginning of the First World War, many young war volunteers romanticised and glorified the personal sacrifice for their respective countries,as yet unaware of modern weaponry and its gruesome consequences. The self-knowledge symbolised by the "blue flower" of romanticism is a deeply individualistic motif. From today"s perspective, its use as a flower of remembrance counterpoints the merciless mass carnage during this first World War.

Other nations also used floral motifs to remember the casualties of war: the red poppy, for example, is used as a sign of remembrance throughout the Commonwealth states whilst the "Bleuet de France", the blue cornflower, is its French counterpart. Interestingly, the blue cornflower was also used to remember the German war casualties after the First World War, although primarily by extreme nationalists.

In 1926, the Freemasons chose the symbolism of the forget-me-not as an internal badge of recognition. Later on, under the NS regime, the Winterhilfswerk relief organisation issued a donation badge showing a bunch of three forget-me-nots in the course of a two day campaign, which made it possible for the Freemasons to wear "their" badge openly without fear of persecution.

Besides it meaning (and also its colours), the motto "Lest we forget", which the Volksbund German war graves commission has used for the peace education measures it organises in remembrance of all victims of war and violence, the word "forget" also clearly establishes a connection to the flower forget-me-not. The logo at the centre of the flower, inspired by a photograph of the so-called "Grave of the Four Infantrymen" from the First World War in Grabowiec/Poland, establishes the connection to the war graves commission. The Volksbund is particularly committed to upholding the remembrance of those who have died in wars and the war casualties of all nations.

In the form pictured above, the forget-me-not badge signals that the wearer believes the victims of war and violence, regardless of their nationality, must never be forgotten. It is worn mainly on days of silent remembrance such as Remembrance Day, All Saints, All Souls etc., and on special occasions such as memorial services in cemeteries and dedicated national holidays, and may be ordered from the Volksbund at (subject to availability). The logo may also be used for own projects, provided permission to do so is requested in writing; please make respective requests to the above address.