The Menin Gate

Podcast host Alex Lloyd spent a week in Belgium travelling across sites of the Western Front from World War I, such as Hill 60 and Caterpillar Crater, and visiting many cemeteries, including Tyne Cot and Langemark.

A highlight was laying a wreath at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium. The evening remembrance ceremony at Ypres has been conducted daily since 1927, with the exception of the occupation by Nazi Germany in World War II. Alex had witnessed the ceremony in 2008 and was honoured to participate on this occasion. His words are below:

"“On Monday 15 July, my friend Marie Claire and I laid a wreath during the daily evening ceremony at the Menin Gate in Ypres, Belgium, in remembrance of all Australians and New Zealanders who put their lives on the line. 

It was particularly poignant to participate in this service on the anniversary of the passing of my grandfather, a British veteran. 

Lest We Forget.”