Ghent (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): On September 4, 1944, Belgian resistance fighters seized the Leopold Barracks in Ghent, aiding the Allied liberation two days later. A memorial plaque honoring their courage is being renovated but will return.
On September 6, 1944, Allied forces freed the city of Ghent during World War II. But before they arrived, local resistance fighters did something brave. Two days earlier, on September 4, 1944, the Belgian resistance took control of the Leopold Barracks, an important military place in the city. This brave act helped a lot in the fight for freedom and showed how determined the local fighters were against the occupying forces.
What is the significance of the memorial plaque at the Leopold Barracks in Ghent, Belgium?
It has been said that to honor the resistance fighters who helped during this important operation, a memorial plaque was placed on the wall around the Leopold Barracks in Ghent. This plaque reminds everyone of the bravery and sacrifices made by those who risked their lives to free their city from occupation. It represents the teamwork of the local people in the fight for freedom and their role in the larger Allied efforts in Belgium. Remembering this event is an important part of Ghent’s history, showing the city’s spirit of resistance during a very dark time in Europe.
The Leopold Barracks in Ghent is an important historical site from World War II. Right now, it’s being renovated by the province of East Flanders to make it useful today while keeping its history. The plaque that honors the resistance fighters who took over the barracks on September 4, 1944, has been temporarily removed, but it will be put back once the work is finished. It has been said that this plaque is important for remembering the bravery of those fighters, and the renovation aims to create a vibrant space with public areas and offices while still respecting the past.
The memorial plaque will be put up at the main entrance of the old Leopold Barracks. There are already some other plaques there, like one for when the barracks opened, and the names of fallen soldiers are on the building. So, it’s a good spot for the plaque for the resistance fighters too. Van Laecke said it’s a public area, so everyone can come and remember them. Last night, the grandchildren of resistance fighters held a special event at the Leopold Barracks in Ghent and brought out the plaque for the occasion.
