A ceremony was held at 10:30 a.m. near the Schuman roundabout in the presence of the victims and their loved ones after moments of contemplation at the airport and the Maelbeek metro station. The Prime Minister was also present. The place between the Schuman roundabout and the avenue de la Joyeuse entrée was chosen to house a monument dedicated to all the victims of terrorist attacks after the attacks of March 22, 2016. The memorial, composed of two twin plates in satin stainless steel, was inaugurated on March 22, 2017. Before the moment of commemoration formally began, the Prime Minister spoke to several victims and soldiers. The names of the victims of the attacks of March 22, 2016, at Zaventem airport and the Maelbeek metro station, as well as those of other attacks committed in Belgium or of Belgians who died in similar circumstances, were listed one by one. A minute of silence was then observed before the European and Belgian anthems rang out. Alexander De Croo and Roberta Metsola each laid a wreath at the foot of the monument. Representatives of the victims’ associations, V-Europe and Life4Brussels, did the same, followed by the CEOs of Brussels Airport and Stib, as well as representatives of the intervention services deployed on March 22, 2016. Finally, those present, including many victims and their relatives but also firefighters or police officers, were able to place a white rose on the monument at the end of this moment of homage.
After the moments of contemplation at the airport and at the Maelbeek metro station, a commemoration ceremony was held at 10:30 a.m. near the Schuman roundabout, in the presence of the victims of the attacks and their loved ones. The Prime Minister was also present.
Between the Schuman roundabout and the avenue de la Joyeuse entrée, this place was chosen after the attacks of March 22, 2016 to house a monument dedicated to all the victims of terrorist acts. This memorial, 20 meters long and two high, composed of two twin plates in satin stainless steel was inaugurated on March 22, 2017.
The Prime Minister spoke for a few moments with several victims and soldiers before the moment of commemoration formally began.
The names of the victims of the attacks of 22 March 2016 at Zaventem airport and the Maelbeek metro station as well as those of other attacks committed in Belgium or of Belgians who died in similar circumstances were listed one by one, so the rain was starting to fall.
Were notably cited Thomas Monjoie, this policeman killed with a knife in Schaerbeek last year, or the victims of the attack at the Jewish Museum of Belgium in May 2014.
A minute of silence was then observed before the European and Belgian anthems rang out.
Alexander De Croo and Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, each laid a wreath at the foot of the monument.
Representatives of the victims’ associations V-Europe and Life4Brussels did the same, followed by the CEOs of Brussels Airport, Arnaud Feist, and of Stib, Brieuc de Meeûs, as well as representatives of the intervention services deployed on this disastrous 22 March 2016.
Finally, those present, including many victims and their relatives but also firefighters or police officers, were able to place a white rose on the monument at the end of this moment of homage.
The commemoration ceremony held on March 22, 2021, near the Schuman roundabout, was a sober and poignant moment of reflection and remembrance. The monument dedicated to all the victims of terrorist acts stood strong, 20 meters long and two high, composed of two twin plates in satin stainless steel, reminding us of the senseless violence of that tragic day. The names of the victims of the attacks of 22 March 2016, along with those of other attacks committed in Belgium or of Belgians who died in similar circumstances, were listed one by one, as the rain fell. The minute of silence and the European and Belgian anthems were a fitting tribute to all those who lost their lives. The laying of wreaths by Alexander De Croo, Roberta Metsola and representatives of the victims’ associations and intervention services reinforced our collective determination to fight terrorism and promote peace. The white roses laid at the foot of the monument were a poignant reminder of the fragility of life but also of the hope that springs from solidarity and compassion. Let us never forget the victims of March 22, 2016, and let us always strive to build a safer and more tolerant world.