UNESCO World Heritage marker for Lone Tree Cemetery unveiled in ceremony

On the morning of Wednesday 14 October, the Commonwealth War Graves Commission reached another milestone in our UNESCO plaque programme, with the third of seven UNESCO World Heritage plaque unveiling ceremonies in Belgium, held at Lone Tree Cemetery in Heuvelland.

The ceremony was particularly special as it truly brought together the local community. The event welcomed pupils from the 3rd to 6th grades of Primary School Ter Elzen in Wijtschate (8 to 12-year-olds), who had previously visited the cemetery with CWGC colleagues Robin and prepared poems, performances and a floral tribute.

The ceremony both opened and closed with contributions from the children, ending with a performance of the Flemish song “Laat ons een bloem”. After the ceremony, each pupil placed a handmade flower on a grave, many of them selecting a casualty whose story they had learned during their visit with Robin.

Following the ceremony, the pupils also learned more about the CWGC Torch for Peace. They had the opportunity to see the torch up close and even hold it themselves, which sparked plenty of interest and questions. For Health & Safety purposes, it is worth noting that the torch was not lit at the time and was completely cool to the touch.

The Order of Service included:

• Opening poem by pupils of Basisschool Ter Elzen

• Speech by Wieland De Meyer, Mayor of Heuvelland

• Speech by Nathalie Dumon, representing the CWGC

• Poetry and performances by the pupils

• UNESCO World Heritage plaque unveiling by the Mayor of Heuvelland and Nathalie Dumon

• Group photograph

• Closing song and floral tribute by the pupils

It was a wonderful example of local stakeholder engagement, youth engagement and staff involvement coming together.

The Commission was delighted to welcome colleagues from across the organisation, including Professional Services colleagues, several of whom were experiencing their first CWGC ceremony, as well as members of the Messines gardening team who care for this unique cemetery.

All images: © CWGC (Eric Compernolle)