Heroes Monument

The Heroes Monument, locally known as the Heldenmonument, stands proudly on the Heldenlaan in Zottegem, Belgium. This poignant war memorial, unveiled on September 25, 1921, serves as a tribute to the brave souls from Zottegem who lost their lives during the First World War. Designed by the talented sculptor Jules Vits from Melle, the monument is a striking piece of art and history combined, drawing visitors with its powerful symbolism and intricate details.

The Creation of the Heroes Monument

The idea for the Heroes Monument was born in 1919 when the Zottegem city council decided to commemorate the local heroes who perished in the Great War. The tragic executions of citizens Léonce Roels and Désiré Van den Bossche further fueled the desire for a lasting tribute. These men were executed by German forces for their roles in a resistance network, making their story a symbol of sacrifice and courage.

A competition was held to select a design for the monument, but none of the 12 designs and 11 models submitted were chosen. Ultimately, the task was entrusted to Jules Vits in 1921, with a budget of 54,000 francs. Vits envisioned a monument that would capture the spirit of heroism and sacrifice, describing it as a pedestal of blue or white stone featuring a soldier in the throes of battle, wounded and falling upon his shattered cannon, yet still fighting with a broken sword. Beside him stands a conscripted worker, exhausted and collapsed from toil. Above them, an angel symbolizes peace and love for the homeland, sentiments that drove these men to their deaths. Flanking the sides are the likenesses of Roels and Van den Bossche, honoring their ultimate sacrifice.

Symbolism and Design

The Heroes Monument is a masterpiece of symbolism. At its base, the soldier and worker represent the dual nature of sacrifice during wartime—both in battle and through labor. The angel above them, a figure of peace, embodies the hope and love for the nation that these heroes held dear. The monument bears the inscription Sottegem ter verheerlijking van zijne helden 1914-1918, which translates to Zottegem in honor of its heroes 1914-1918, a solemn reminder of the lives lost.

The sides of the monument feature the portraits of Léonce Roels and Désiré Van den Bossche. Roels, a notary, is commemorated with a French inscription: Hommage des notaires belges et français à leur confrère, Léonce Roels. Mort pour la patrie, fusillé à Casteau le 2 mars 1916, which means Tribute from Belgian and French notaries to their colleague, Léonce Roels. Died for the homeland, executed in Casteau on March 2, 1916. This was a fitting tribute, as the notaries contributed significantly to the funding of the monument. The inscription under Van den Bossche's likeness reads: Gestorven voor 't vaderland. Doodgeschoten te Masnuy-Saint-Jean den 2 maart 1916, meaning Died for the fatherland. Shot at Masnuy-Saint-Jean on March 2, 1916.

Commemorative Events and Legacy

The Heroes Monument is not just a static piece of history; it plays an active role in the community’s remembrance activities. Every Armistice Day, an official commemoration is held at the monument, and since 2022, it is also a focal point on Belgian Veterans Day, observed on April 7. These events are solemn occasions, drawing locals and visitors alike to pay their respects to the fallen.

In addition to the monument itself, 26 plane trees were planted as peace trees and a single oak as a freedom tree, further embedding the monument within the landscape of memory and reflection. In 1933, two additional names of deportees who succumbed to illness were added to the monument, ensuring that their sacrifices were not forgotten.

Preservation and Protection

Recognizing its historical and cultural significance, the Heroes Monument was officially protected as a monument in 2011. This designation ensures that it will be preserved for future generations, allowing them to connect with the past and draw inspiration from the courage and sacrifice of those commemorated.

Visiting the Heroes Monument is a deeply moving experience. It offers a moment of reflection on the cost of freedom and the bravery of those who fought for it. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply a traveler passing through Zottegem, the Heroes Monument stands as a powerful reminder of the enduring human spirit and the sacrifices made for peace and liberty.