In Flanders fields: Remembering Europe transformation from a battlefield to a successful integration process

The College of Europe organised its annual student visits to the battlefields of the First World War in Flanders (Ypres area) on 22 September 2021, called "In Flanders Fields" . This contributes to perpetuating the memory of the war, to raising College of Europe students' interest in the conflict and sensitizing them to the experience of those who fought, and of the local population.

During this day, the students visited the Tyne Cot cemetery, the Hill 60 battlefield, the Caterpillar crater and the Bayernwald trench reconstruction. They also attended the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate Memorial.

A wreath will be placed by students representing both sides of the armed conflict of the First World War. 

Thank you to Owen MORGAN, Mariama DIALLO, Paul VAN DER WERF, Yasmeen DRIDI for taking up this role.

The poem "For the fallen" from Laurence Binyon was also read by Paul VAN DER WERF. 

This study trip is a way of remembering that Europe turned from a battle field to the most successful integration process. The College of Europe wishes that the students better understand the bloody conflicts that took place in this region with the hope that students will then better appreciate the peace and prosperity which is now possible through cooperation at a European and International level.