Following annual tradition, the Royal Military Academy (RMA) opened the academic year on 13 October on the Esplanade of the Cinquantenaire Park in Brussels. At the centre of attention: the new batch of student officers.
Like other university institutions, the RMA starts every academic year with a solemn opening ceremony. With the stagiars but especially the more than 500 pupils, the future officers of Defence, literally in the spotlight, the ceremony guarantees a magnificent spectacle every time.
During the military parade, the godparents of the new promotions were introduced to the freshmen, who were also awarded their pennants. The promotion chiefs promised the new students that they will assist them in word and deed to make a success of their formation as officers.
The traditional opening of the academic year is an important highlight for all students at the school, but even more so for second lieutenant Jasper Mathys, from the 159th Promotion of Social and Military Sciences. He received the Kings Sword from the hands of His Majesty the King. The Sword is a unique officer's sabre, gilded and engraved with the royal monogram and crown. The palace awards this prestigious prize to the most deserving student sub-lieutenant.
At the end of the parade, the rector and school commander, Divisional Admiral Yves Dupont, officially declared the academic year open.
