The “Patriotic fraternity of veterans” organizes the “Day of the Secret Army and the Independence Front” on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

In Tienen the secret army had its headquarters in the Atheneum but they had too few weapons. The resistance therefore wanted to lure German soldiers into the school to disarm them. The operation failed because a German was able to escape and warn a retreating German tank. This positioned itself under the gate of the building opposite the Atheneum and fired. The left side of the building was shot to pieces.

Karel Schelpkens was killed. Lieutenant Albert Smets was able to escape, but was caught on the ramparts and executed. During the attack on the school, an ammunition depot exploded. The members of the secret army were able to escape via the rear of the Atheneum. Pastor Palmaerts was buried under the rubble, but fortunately was not found by the Germans.