Remembering Together, Standing Up for Peace

On 8 November 2026, participants gathered at the German War Cemetery in Lommel for a ceremony marking Germany’s National Day of Mourning, commemorating the victims of war and violence. The event was held under the motto “Reconciliation over the Graves – Working for Peace”. Both the German Ambassador, Martin Kotthaus, and the French Ambassador attended.

The International German School of Brussels (iDSB) contributed poetry and song to the programme. Students from the WICO school in Lommel also delivered an appeal. Flemish Minister-President Matthias Diependaele gave the commemorative address, while Ambassador Kotthaus led the remembrance of the dead. Pastor Katja Baumann led the ecumenical reflection.

Wreath-laying and musical contributions from Belgium’s Royal Band of the Guides and the ecumenical brass ensemble of the German-speaking congregations in Brussels provided a dignified setting for the ceremony.

Nearly 40,000 people who died in the two World Wars are buried at the cemetery. Remembering them together connects the suffering of the past with our responsibility to work for peace and mutual understanding today.