Event

8th Annual In Flanders Fields Memorial

Friday, May 19, 2017 - 3:30pm

Every year around Memorial Day, the General Delegation of the Government of Flanders to the USA honors and remembers all those who fought "In Flanders Fields" during World War I. This commemoration is held at the Clinton War Memorial on the South-East corner of De Witt Clinton Park, located at 11th Avenue and 52nd Street in Manhattan. Wreaths are placed at the foot of the Clinton War Memorial, which is a statue of a WWI doughboy with the poem "In Flanders Fields" inscribed in its foot. The ceremony features the reading of this beautiful poem written by Lt. Col. John McCrae. The memorial traditionally concludes with the sounding of the "Last Post" and "Taps" as a symbolic final farewell to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

In the past, the General Delegation has been a proud recipient of a Proclamation from NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio proclaiming May 29th “In Flanders Fields Memorial Day” in the City of New York, which was presented to Government of Flanders by representatives of the NYC Mayor's Office.

For more information on the Centennial of World War I or to RSVP for the ceremony contact 2014-18@flandershouse.org or visit the website of the WW I Centennial Project Office of the Government of Flanders at www.2014-18.be.