Breendonk (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – The reading marathon ‘Heroes of the Resistance’ begins its operations at the Fort of Breendonk near Willebroek, Belgium. A large group of known and unknown individuals read the names of the thousands of fallen resistance fighters who perished during World War 2.
At the Fort of Breendonk, the reading marathon ‘Heroes of the Resistance’ continues with various speakers reciting the names of many resistance fighters who perished during World War 2.
The third-year marathon event lasts for 48 hours through the 80th anniversary day, which marks Belgium’s Nazi-free status on May 8. This marathon exists to keep the memory of people who made sacrifices during their lives alive.
“We must never forget those people. They gave their lives for our freedom,”
says organiser Dany Neudt.
“It is an ongoing task for all of us to continue to remember them. And what better way to do that than by continuing to read their names?”
The reading marathon, initiated at 2 PM, includes public figures and ordinary citizens who deliver names and specifics of anti-Nazi resistance fighters who lost their lives. Researchers have identified the deaths of 15,000 individuals across Breendonk Fort and various other sites, such as camps, during World War II, as reported by VRT.
We work together with Cegesoma for the list. That is the war archive. They checked all the names and looked at the files. They are all people who are recognised as members of the resistance.”
This year, the reader is also writer Tom Lanoye.
“He came to me three years ago because he wanted to do something. That’s how he came up with this reading marathon,”
says Neudt.
“A visit to the Breendonk fort had been on my to-do list for a while,”
says Gella Vandecaveye.
“We all go to Buchenwald and Auschwitz, but we forget about Breendonk. That’s why I was happy to accept this invitation from the BOIC (Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee, ed.) .”
In the meantime, she has had a tour.
“That was very fascinating, but also haunting. It grabs you by the throat. I am very sensitive to that. It defies all imagination what happened here, there are no words for it. By reading here, I want to underline the historical and social importance of the fort and continue to honour these resistance heroes.”
What is the historical significance of the Breendonk Fort and the resistance fighters?
Breendonk Fort served as a Nazi prison and interrogation center near Antwerp Belgium throughout World War II. During the period spanning from 1940 to 1944, thousands of resistance fighters, along with political prisoners and Jewish detainees, suffered in the brutal conditions of Breendonk Fort before encountering torture, leading to execution or being sent to concentration camps.
During World War II, 15,000 resistance fighters from Belgium lost their lives, while a large portion of them were detained at Breendonk. Today visitors can experience the national memorial at the fort which commemorates the battle against Nazi tyranny.
Why is the 80th anniversary of liberation a key moment for Belgium?
Belgium achieved its liberation from Nazi German occupation after Nazi Germany formally surrendered on May 8 1945. The year marks a special occasion because only a limited number of survivors still exist who can recount their experiences.
The ongoing “Heroes of the Resistance” reading marathon holds its third edition to keep alive the memory of those who made sacrifices. Belgium commemorates victims and resistance fighters through a range of ceremonies and educational programs that happen alongside this event.
