Peace Monument Herzele

In 2018, the narrow connecting road between Groenlaan and Solleveld was officially named the "Street of Peace", to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War.
This street was later chosen as the location for the peace monument that was inaugurated on April 24, 2024. It symbolizes hope, freedom and reconciliation.
The monument, donated by the National Union of Fighters of Belgium, is carved from Balegem sandstone. Below the dove of peace is a verse by the poet C.S. Adama van Scheltema: "Peace, spread your gentle wings over the dark earth."

At the initiative of the local government, Herzele was declared a "Village of Peace".
"Because the conflicts that affect our world also live in our municipality, we as a "Village of Peace" want to deliver a symbolic message of peace.
Coincidentally, Herzele has 193 streets and the United Nations has the same number of member states. Every street in Herzeel is therefore symbolically linked to a nation, sometimes far away, sometimes close by.
The peace dove connects residents of Herzele with residents from all over the world, including countries and conflict areas that are not yet formal members of the United Nations.
That is why there is an extra sign with a dove of peace next to every existing street sign."

In 2023, the first of the 193 signs was installed on the Herzele Market. Under each street sign there is a peace dove with the name of the country. This action is not about taking sides in international conflicts, but about bringing the message of peace to every street and in every country.

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Source

• Text: Traces of War
• Photos: Marie-Christine Vinck