Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, War memorial at Congress Column in Brussels, Belgium
The memorial beneath Congress Column in Brussels holds the remains of an unidentified Belgian soldier, with an eternal flame burning at the tomb. Bronze lions stand on either side, and statues on the column above complete the monumental design.
The memorial was inaugurated on November 11, 1922, honoring one soldier selected from five unidentified Belgian military personnel who died during World War I. This symbolic choice was made to represent all unknown soldiers without graves.
The site serves as a national place of remembrance where ceremonies honor soldiers who gave their lives in service. Visitors can observe people pausing to lay flowers here, especially on commemorative dates.
The memorial is accessible daily at the base of Congress Column with no entrance fee or reservation needed. The location is easy to reach on foot and well connected by public transportation.
Two bronze lions flank the grave, designed to symbolize strength and courage in remembrance. However, the four statues adorning the column above represent something entirely different: education, press, association, and religion as fundamental Belgian freedoms.
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