A place in history
2018 marks the 100th anniversary of the World War I, and Flanders plays a major role in the commemorations that come with this important anniversary. The region – the towns of Ypres and Passendale in particular – was the scene of some of the biggest battles of that period in history.
What’s more, Flanders is firmly rooted in the symbolism surrounding World War I. To give just one example: ever since their mention in the now-famous war poem ‘In Flanders Fields’ by Canadian lieutenant-colonel John McCrae, the poppies that grew on Flanders’ battlefields have turned into a worldwide symbol of remembrance.