MONS: THE FIRST AND THE LAST COMMEMORATIONS NOVEMBER 2018
Saint-Symphorien Military Cemetery On the outskirts of the Belgian city of Mons, one of the most unusual and beautiful military cemeteries of WW1 welcomes visitors from all over the world, some of them anonymous, some of them famous, but always full of respect and gratitude. Nearly facing each other, two gravestones recall the names of the First and the Last British soldiers killed on the Western front during WW1: Private John Parr, who was still a teenager and Private George Ellison, killed on 11.11.1918. They are surrounded by the graves of British and German soldiers who have rested there together in peace since 1916. On 4th August 2014 Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge together with His Royal Highness Prince Henry of Wales commemorated the centenary of WW1 at Saint-Symphorien. Mons Memorial Museum The Mons Memorial Museum invites you to travel through the history of WW1 and WW2. The exhibition doesn’t only deal with the military aspects of the conflicts, but also with the civilian ones. www.monsmemorialmuseum.mons.be Discover Mons Battlefield From Casteau-Soignies road where Corporal E. Thomas fired the first British shot on the continent since Waterloo to nearly the same place, where Canadian troops of the 116th battalion ended WW1.
Centenary of the Liberation of Mons by the Canadians
In November 2018, the city of Mons will commemorate the centenary of its liberation by Canadian troops. On the afternoon of 11th November, we invite you to a Liberation parade at the Grand-Place of Mons. As in 1918, there will be a spectacular parade with all the Canadian regiments to remember their triumphant arrival at the Grand-Place. Among the different events, we also invite you to attend a show combining mapping, artists and projections on the Grand-Place (from 26th October to 11th November). A very special programme is scheduled on 10th and 11th November. The programme of the ceremonies is available on www.visitmons.co.uk