Former enemies during World War I united for ceremonies surrounding the 100th anniversary of the start of the conflict, with Belgium, France, Germany and Britain standing together at an Allied memorial on Monday to commemorate one of the great early battles.
In a spirit of reconciliation, Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde welcomed German President Joachim Gauck under cloudy skies for the late-morning ceremony amid pomp and military honour.
Germany invaded neutral Belgium on August 4, 1914 as part of a planned attack on France. By nightfall, Britain had joined the war. The war wasn’t expected to last long. Instead of weeks, the continent was plunged into unknown hardship and misery for more than four years.
Gauck will join British Princes William and Harry at the Saint Symphorien cemetery late today for a similar remembrance. In Britain, there will be ceremonies in Glasgow, Scotland, and a candlelit vigil at london’s Westminster Abbey.