Until we speak again

I’m in Belgium and my home base for this week’s paper is Brugge, the capital of West Flanders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site that was spared from destruction during both world wars. 

Brugge is full of 17th century buildings, churches and shops. The streets are all cobblestone, no pavement in site, and canals intersect the city. I can’t describe the magical component; it truly feels like you have stepped back in time. 

During my stay, I had the honour of attending the 80th anniversary of the City of Eeklo’s liberation from German occupation during World War II, which was in no small part the result of Canada’s military effort. The solemn ceremony reminded me of the sacrifices made to restore freedom to this city and others across Europe.

The liberation of Eeklo was hard-fought, and as I stood among the people honouring those who served, I was reminded of the resilience and hope that carried them through. For Canadians, peace and freedom are privileges, hard-won by those who came before us.

I stood by the community reporter who took photos and told the story of the event. It was held in Canadaplein (Canada Square). Yes, they have a square in their city dedicated to the Canadian Army who freed their community from Nazi occupation. 

The ceremony started with a procession of bagpipers playing Highland Cathedral. Locals came in behind to witness the event. The City Council and Mayor were in attendance. The ceremony was put on by the National Committee for Political Prisoners, who highlighted the freedom fighters that lead the resistance including 41 men who were captured and killed by the Nazi’s for their opposition. 

The ceremony continued with the reading of authentic letters from a mother to her sons who were serving in the war. Last Post and Reveille were performed by a bugler and school children stood with photos of the 41 men who were killed, giving their sacrifice a face.

During the ceremony the Canadian and Belgium National anthems were played and the Belgians clapped in recognition for the Canadians. I have to say that I stood a little taller with a sense of immense national pride.

The entire event was capture by their local reporter and I’m writing about it in my local paper. It reminds me that papers really record the history of the world. In that moment, at that place, I have never been prouder to be a Canadian and the publisher of a newspaper. I’ve never been so proud of the sacrifices of our great country in the liberation of Belgium. 

Wherever you go in this region you see monuments of World War II. I also visited Adegem Canadian War Cemetery, where 848 Canadian soldiers rest. Walking among the rows of gravestones, I was deeply moved by the tribute to our Canadian fallen, who gave everything for the liberation of Europe. As you walk amongst the rows of headstones with the names of the fallen, mostly in the early 20s, it was a powerful reminder of the ultimate price paid for the freedoms we often take for granted.

Belgians haven’t forgotten our place in their history. 

My visit was a reminder of the importance of remembering our history; not just to honour the past, but to inspire a more peaceful future.

The juxtaposition of Brugge with its well-preserved medieval streets stands in stark contrast to Eeklo, which endured the brutality of conflict. Brugge, untouched by war, symbolizes preservation, while Eeklo, scarred but resilient, represents the endurance of communities in the face of hardship.

So far, it’s been an incredible trip, and although this is work, it feels more like a life changing experience about being Canadian, showing me the place of a newspaper in the world. Next week’s issue will be done from Amsterdam. I look forward to sharing my experience with you and if you look on page 17 of this issue, I’ll share some of my photos. Afscheid tot we elkaar weer spreken (farewell until we speak again).