Traditionally, the first-year corps of the Royal Military Academy organises an annual solemn parade at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. This year, it took place on Friday, March 22. This ceremony serves to honour all those who gave their lives, represented by this memorial, and to highlight its symbolism. Thanks to their sacrifice, we can enjoy peace, freedom and independence today. The memorial is located at the foot of the Congress Column, which commemorates the National Congress of 1830, where the Belgian Constitution was ratified.
After the horrors of World War I, it faced a large number of unidentified dead. On 10 November 1922, a horseman of the 3rd Regiment Lancers, who had been blinded in battle, picked out a coffin containing the body of an unknown casualty. On 11 November 1922, the coffin was buried with all the honours in the crypt in the presence of the royal family, including King Albert I. Since then, this body has symbolised patriotism and sacrifice in the service of the fatherland for future generations.
