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Oorlogsmonument Aalst: A somber tribute

A solemn war memorial on Aalst's Graanmarkt, commemorating the city's fallen soldiers and civilian victims of both World Wars, serving as a place for reflection and remembrance.

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The Oorlogsmonument Aalst, or War Memorial Aalst, stands solemnly on the Graanmarkt, a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by the city's sons during the First and Second World Wars. Erected in 1921-1922, this monument is dedicated to the former students, troop children, and pupils of Aalst who perished for their country. The monument's location, opposite the former Pupillenschool where young boys received military training, adds to its historical context. It serves as a place for reflection and remembrance, inviting visitors to contemplate the cost of conflict and honor those who served. The monument is a reminder of the impact of war on the Aalst community and a place to pay respects to those who lost their lives.

A brief summary to Oorlogsmonument Aalst

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Take a moment to read the inscriptions on the monument, which list the names of the fallen soldiers and civilians from Aalst.
  • Visit the monument during a commemorative event, such as Remembrance Day, to witness the community coming together to honor the war dead.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around the Graanmarkt, taking in the other historical buildings and landmarks in the area.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Oorlogsmonument is located on the Graanmarkt in the center of Aalst, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Grote Markt, walk east along the Nieuwstraat, then turn right onto the Graanmarkt. The monument will be directly in front of you. From the Aalst train station, walk north along the Stationsstraat, turn left onto the Molenstraat, and then turn right onto the Graanmarkt. The walk is approximately 5-7 minutes. There are no costs associated with walking to the monument.

  • Public Transport

    Several bus lines serve the Graanmarkt area. Check local bus schedules for the most up-to-date information. From the Statieplein (Station Square), take any bus that stops at the Graanmarkt. The bus fare is approximately €2.50 for a single ticket.

  • Driving

    If driving, be aware that parking in the Graanmarkt area is limited and can be expensive. Paid parking is available on the Graanmarkt itself, but it is often busy. Alternative parking options include the underground parking under the Post building or at the Josse Ringoirkaai. Parking fees on the Graanmarkt are approximately €2.20 for the first hour and €2.80 for two hours. Parking at Keizershallen costs €4.00/day.

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Discover more about Oorlogsmonument Aalst

The Oorlogsmonument Aalst, a war memorial located on the Graanmarkt in Aalst, Belgium, serves as a solemn tribute to the city's fallen soldiers and civilian victims of war. Specifically, it honors the "Oud-leerlingen, de Troepenkinderen en leerling-Pupillen" (former students, troop children, and pupils) of Aalst who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars. The monument's origins trace back to the period following World War I, a time of profound grief and remembrance across Europe. In Aalst, a special national committee was established in early 1921 to oversee the construction of a memorial that would adequately honor the sacrifices made by its citizens. The location chosen for the monument was the Graanmarkt, directly across from the entrance of the old Pupillenschool, where young boys received military training until the 1960s. This placement was particularly significant, as it created a direct visual link between the monument and the institution that had prepared many of the fallen for military service. The monument was inaugurated on July 23, 1922, in a ceremony led by Prince Leopold. However, the grand scale of the event and the extensive decorations were met with criticism from some Flemish nationalists and socialists, who viewed the display as an excessive glorification of militarism. Despite this controversy, the monument has remained a central point of remembrance in Aalst. The Oorlogsmonument is the creation of sculptor Marcel Rau, architect Georges Hendrickx, and stonemason Michel Verhulst. Hendrickx, a former corporal in the Belgian army's 4th engineering regiment, also designed a memorial stone in Wulpen for the same division. Rau, a renowned classical sculptor and medalist, was responsible for numerous official commissions, including several war memorials. The collaboration between Rau and Hendrickx resulted in a monument that is both artistically significant and deeply meaningful to the community. Following World War II, two commemorative plaques and the years "1940-1945" were added to the monument to honor those who perished in the second global conflict. These additions further solidified the monument's role as a comprehensive memorial for all major wars of the 20th century. The monument features two memorial plaques dedicated to Captain Charles Claser and Colonel Jean de Schrijver. Captain Claser, a cadet from 1919 to 1920, died in a concentration camp. Colonel de Schrijver, a pupil from 1906 to 1909, disappeared in the Gross-Rosen concentration camp in 1945. The Graanmarkt, where the monument stands, has undergone significant transformations over the years. Historical maps and aerial photographs reveal the evolution of the square and its surrounding buildings, highlighting the monument's enduring presence amidst the changing urban landscape. Today, the Oorlogsmonument Aalst continues to serve as a place of remembrance and reflection. It stands as a reminder of the human cost of war and the importance of honoring those who have served their country. Visitors to the monument can pay their respects, contemplate the sacrifices made by the people of Aalst, and reflect on the broader themes of peace and reconciliation.

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