Amersfoort Belgian Monument
Historical Information (Source: Wikipedia)
The Belgian Monument is a monument on the Amersfoortse Berg in Amersfoort. Belgian soldiers built it in memory of the internment in the Netherlands during the First World War as a job creation and learning project. In size it is the largest monument in the Netherlands.
In October 1916, the Central Commission of the Werkscholen of the interned Belgians in the Netherlands, headed by Omer Buyse, supported by the Flemish camp doctor Dr Reimond De Beir, submitted a proposal to the mayor and aldermen of Amersfoort to erect a memorial as token of appreciation for the hospitality enjoyed. The committee wanted to build a monument between Utrechtseweg and Fockemalaan to thank the Netherlands for what was done for the interned soldiers and their families. After completion it would be transferred to the municipality of Amersfoort. The city council met on the proposal that same month and agreed unanimously.
The Belgenmonument (Belgian Monument) is the largest World War I monument in the Netherlands. The main structure is nearly 60 feet wide, and there’s a separate memorial wall and garden with nine flower boxes, one for each of the Belgian provinces. Perched on top of the Amersfoortse Berg, it’s an imposing and powerful sight.
