September 21st is the United Nations’ International Day of Peace, established in order to strengthen the ideals of peace. Vrede vzw, a Flemish peace organization, called on all citizens and Belgian cities and municipalities which are member of the Mayors for Peace network to bring this day to the public’s attention by raising a flag for peace. This flag-raising campaign started in 2013, making this its third year. This year’s focus was the problem of nuclear weapons.
In the City of Ghent, there was an attempt to hang the world’s biggest peace flag (50 meters by 30 meters) from the former Belgacom tower at 12:30pm on September 21st, though the attempt was not successful due to a strong wind. The event was attended by Ms. Tina Heyse, who holds the titles of the Deputy Mayor of the Environment climate, Energy, North-South relations and the Peace House also attended. This year, the Peace House in Ghent celebrates its 20th anniversary through various activities. Ms. Heyse said in her speech, “Peace is more than the absence of war; respect for human rights, respect for the environment and combating inequality are important conditions for sustainable peace.” The event was also attended by Ms. Teruko Yokoyama, a survivor of the Nagasaki atomic bombing. Ms. Yokohama shared her experiences with the attendees and called on everyone to work together for a nuclear-free world.
The organizer of this event, Vrede vzw is hoping to call on all member cities to raise the peace flag next year, from the international Day of Peace (September 21st) until the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons (September 26th).
The following cities and municipalities supported this year’s appeal by raising a flag for peace: Aarschot, Affligem, Alken, Amay, Antoing, Anzegem, Asse, Aubange-Athus, Awans, Balen, Beauvechin, Beernem, Begijnendijk, Beringen, Berlare, Bilzen, Bocholt, Boechout, Bornem, Boussu, Braives, Bredene, Buggenhout, Comines-Warneton, Courcelles, Deerlijk, Deinze, Dessel, Diepenbeek, Donceel, Durbuy, Ecaussines, Eeklo, Erézée, Erpe-Mere, Esneux, Essen, Estampuis, Ferrières, Flobecq, Fontaine l’Eveque, Gavere, Genk, Gent, Habay-la-Neuve, Halle, Ham, Harelbeke, Hasselt, Herenthout, Herselt, Herzele, Heusden-Zolder, Honnelles, Houthalen-Helchteren, Houthulst, Ichtegem (Eernegem en Bekegem), Ieper, Ingelmunster, Jabbeke, Kapelle op den bos, Kampenhout, Kapellen, Kaprijke, Kasterlee, Kinrooi, Knesselare, Kortrijk, Laakdal, La Louvière, Langemark-Poelkapelle, Lessines, Londerzeel, Lovendegem, Lubbeek, Lummen, Maarkedal, Maaseik, Machelen-Diegem, Malle, Marchin, Mechelen, Meerhout, Meeuwen-Gruitrode, Melle, Merelbeke, Merksplas, Meulebeke, Mons, Mortsel, Nazareth, Nijlen, Oostkamp, Oosterzele, Opglabbeek, Oudenburg, Peer, Pepingen, Peruwelz, Puurs, Remicourt, Riemst, Rotselaar, Ruiselede, Saint-Gilles, Sint-Niklaas, St Lievens Houtem, Sint-Truiden, Stekene, Ternat, Thuin, Tielt, Torhout, Tubize, Veurne, Villers-le-Bouillet, Viroinval, Visé, Vosselaar, Wachtebeke, Wanze, Waregem, Waremme, Wijnegem, Woluwe, Zandhoven, Zemst, Zonhoven, Zottegem, Zoutleeuw, Zutendaal, Zwalm, Zwijndrecht
>Report of the event on the City of Ghent website, in Dutch
>Related information on the Vrede vzw website
(Photo Courtesy of Lieve Van Dijck)