The Opening of the Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing

Historical Significance and Background

On November 12, 1927, The Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing was opened in the city of Ypres, Belgium. This monument is dedicated to the British and Commonwealth soldiers who lost their lives and have no known graves on the Ypres Salient of the First World War. It is one of the most notable war memorials in the world.

With the end of the First World War, the city of Ypres was left in ruins. It was one of the most intense battle areas of the war, and many soldiers lost their lives here. Menin Gate was built to commemorate and honor these losses in the city.

A memorial committee was established in 1921 for the construction of Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing. The committee collected various donations to record the names of the soldiers lost in the war and finance the construction of the monument. The design of the monument was made by the famous architect Sir Reginald Blomfield, and construction began in 1923.

Development of the Event

Construction of the Memorial

The construction of Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing was a major engineering and construction project. The monument was built on the Menin Gate, which was the main entrance of Ypres and became one of the symbols of the city. Although the construction process was challenging, great dedication was shown for the completion of the monument.

Opening Ceremony

On November 12, 1927, the opening ceremony of Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing took place. The ceremony was attended by King George V and Queen Mary of England, King Albert I and Queen Elizabeth of Belgium, as well as many war veterans and their families. During the ceremony, the names of the 54,896 soldiers engraved on the monument were read, and a commemorative ceremony was held.

Results and Effects

Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing was built to keep the memory of the First World War alive and show respect to the missing soldiers. With the opening of the monument, the memories of the soldiers lost in the war were preserved, and some solace was provided to their families.

Among the short-term effects, the opening of Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing became an international event and was attended by significant political figures from many countries. This increased international interest in the city of Ypres and contributed to the development of the tourism sector.

Among the long-term consequences, Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing is significant in reminding the horrors and losses of the war. The monument has become a symbol to demonstrate the impact of the war on humanity and emphasize the importance of peace.

Historical Significance and Reflections to the Present

Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing still holds great importance today. The monument reminds visitors of the brutality of the First World War and its consequences. At the same time, it helps draw lessons about the tragedy of war and the value of peace.

Menin Gate is also famous for the Last Post ceremony held every evening. Every day, local buglers play the Last Post as a tribute to the memory of the war. This ceremony has increased the international recognition of the monument and has become one of the symbols of the city of Ypres.

Menin Gate Memorial to the Missing serves as a reminder for us to never forget the pains of war and understand the importance of peace. The monument tells the human stories behind the war and reveals the terrible consequences of war.