30 mei 1926: Inauguration statue in Sint-Niklaas by Prince Leopold
On 30 May 1926, a special statue in Sint-Niklaas was inaugurated by Crown Prince
Leopold of Belgium (later King Leopold III).
The inauguration
This day was accompanied by all kinds of festivities. Schoolchildren
performed gymnastics exercises and sang patriotic songs. This was followed
by a large procession from the main market to the site of the monument.
performed gymnastics exercises and sang patriotic songs. This was followed
by a large procession from the main market to the site of the monument.
At the unveiling, a cantata was played by 1,000 musicians, written especially
for the occasion by priest artist August Nobels and composed by Florimond Sax.
for the occasion by priest artist August Nobels and composed by Florimond Sax.
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Crown Prince Leopold of Belgium
Source picture: Wikipedia
Source picture: Wikipedia
The statue
Along the front, on the pedestal: a soldier who takes a fallen brother-in-arms
in his arms, protects the victim and looks with indignation at the enemy; below,
on the steps, the hero's rifle and helmet wreathed with flowers and a crown.
in his arms, protects the victim and looks with indignation at the enemy; below,
on the steps, the hero's rifle and helmet wreathed with flowers and a crown.
At the back, the image of a man in the prime of his years, stretching
desperately, taken away by the Germans and tortured for his rebelliousness and
doomed to powerlessness.
desperately, taken away by the Germans and tortured for his rebelliousness and
doomed to powerlessness.
The memorial consists of several statues in blue stone and bronze.
It is 8 meters high, 8.20 meters wide and 5.50 meters deep.
It is 8 meters high, 8.20 meters wide and 5.50 meters deep.
High on a pedestal and in the center is a Sacred Heart statue (2.30 meters high);
the right hand makes a blessing gesture and the left hand a protective one.
the right hand makes a blessing gesture and the left hand a protective one.
A visit
The statue is still on the same location at the Houtbriel in Sint-Niklaas.
It is a nice place to walk around during the day. Sometimes you don't have to go
far to find surprising royal spots.
far to find surprising royal spots.
The pictures of the statue are taken on 28 May 2024 by my husband.
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