The sun goes down slowly, the wind blows on the fields all around, the silence reigns ... And for a few minutes, you soak up this silence to honor the memory of all those brave men who died for a cause they believed was just, the Great War.
This is what the Casteau SFM(E) team experienced and felt in Ypres, in Belgian Flanders, when we went to lay a wreath at the foot of the Menin Gate monument during one of the daily ceremonies of The Last Post.
Every evening, at 8:00 pm, the streets giving access to the monument are closed to circulation, people gather around the monument to attend this moment of silence where the memories of all those fallen in battle are celebrated. A large-scale cultural and historical celebration that brings together people from all over the world.
How fortunate for us, Canadians, to be able to participate, assist and witness a daily commemoration that has been going on for so long ... I highly recommend the experience to anyone with a historical and sociological interest in these gatherings; it is well worth the trip!
In addition, I strongly believe that this is a great way to connect with the history and the past of those people from your host country. The country in which you will spend your next few years. You will feel the enrichment on several levels and will develop a closer relationship with your country of temporary adoption!
Take advantage of the armistice commemoration period to learn more about the surrounding cities, the history of your village and the involvement of Canadians during the First World War. You will get a sense of belonging even stronger than before.
The SFM (E) Casteau team remembers!
To learn more about The Last Post: https://www.lastpost.be/en/home
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