Residents of Geer honor war veterans during the Relais Sacré ceremony

Members of the FNC and local residents in Geer, Belgium, participated in the Relais Sacré ceremony to honor the memory of veterans from the two World Wars.

The event involves carrying a sacred flame through various villages to remember the sacrifices made by past generations. Participants viewed the flame as a symbol of light intended to help people move past the darkness of past suffering.

Students from the Hollogne-sur-Geer communal primary school spoke during the event to explain their views on peace. One student, Vincenzo, told the crowd that peace does not require everyone to think the same way, but rather means that people can live together despite their differences. Residents expressed that current global conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, make them reflect on the experiences of their ancestors who suffered in 1914 and 1940.

Local figures shared personal stories of loss to keep the history of the region alive. José Kinon described how Lieutenant Mazy died on November 1, 1918, after being wounded multiple times during the war. Auguste Lambert, a local flag bearer, spoke about his uncle who was killed in Ooigem in 1940. The ceremony concluded at dusk as the community prepared for national patriotic commemorations on November 11.