BELGIAN BRANCH NEWS
from
Guido van Wassenhove
As usual, Branch members and the people of Wuustwezel commemorated the Liberation of October 1944 when the 49th Division kicked the last remaining Germans out of our town. I am proud, as Branch Chairman, that so many members were present. The PBA was represented by our dear friend Dennis Dimond, a good chap and Honorary Member of this Branch.
Mr and Mrs Suchowolski-Sluzny attended on behalf of the Jewish Community of Belgium and the “Jewish hidden children”. This association represents Jewish children who were given secure shelter by civilians during the German occupation of our country.
The Chairman gave an account of the war casualties. More than 300 men and women died during WW2 in Wuustwezel, 97 being Polar Bears and 8 RAF. What a tremendous loss of young lives. Fortunately we have this splendid Monument in tribute to the British and every visit does them honour.The Chairman went on to say, “It is our duty to remember the Polar Bears and show them our ever lasting gratitude”.
Dennis thanked the Belgian Branch for their efforts to keep alive the history of WW2 not only through commemorations at the Monument but also through their excellent cooperation with the PBA. Wreaths were then laid by Dennis on behalf of the PBA and by Mrs Julia Leysen and Fieneke Pellisfor the Belgian Branch.
The Polar Bear Award was presented for the fourth time to GLS De Wissel Primary School. The fantastic welcome organised in October 2007 must still be in the minds of many Polar Bears! As the competition was quite fierce and the difference between winner and runner up minimal, it was decided to present GLS ’t Blokje of Loenhout, a special hand made certificate in appreciation of their work. The Polar Bear Award is presented each year to a school, association or citizen who has achieved special results regarding the history of both world wars, solidarity, tolerance and a peaceful society. The Chairman recorded his thanks to the primary schools of Wuustwezel for giving the Branch an opportunity to teach the youngsters, and teaching staff, the history of both world wars.
The Branch annual dinner was held afterwards at the Wassalia Hall for the last time and members enjoyed the traditional meatballs and wild cherries. Maryse was presented with flowers and heartily thanked for the many occasions when she and her splendid staff have served members with meals and drinks. Everyone, not least the British veterans, will miss this welcoming venue.
At the meeting afterwards, the Chairman looked back at another successful year. He highlighted the visit to Ypres with the PB veterans and the Royal British Legion Youth Band, Brentwood. The next board meeting will be discussing the programme for 2009 when the 65th anniversary of the Liberation will be remembered and the Polar Bear Memorial will be 25 years old. Dennis, together with many of our dear friends in Britain is working on a big surprise for the Belgian Branch. The ever-growing cooperation between branches has now led to the provision of a dedicated page on the website!
WE WISH ALL OF OUR GOOD FRIENDS A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A WONDERFUL NEW YEAR. MAY WE ALL MEET AGAIN IN OCTOBER 2009!