22 March: ceremony in tribute to victims of acts of terrorism

This Monday, 22 March, Their Majesties the King and Queen, Prime Minister Alexander de Croo, Brussels Airport and STIB/MIVB paid tribute to all the victims of acts of terrorism, in collaboration with Life4Brussels and V-Europe, two associations for victims.

This morning, at the precise time of the attacks, a moment of silence and meditation was held at the scene of the attacks at Brussels Airport and in the Maelbeek metro station. During the occasion, the royal couple and the Prime Minister had an opportunity to meet several victims of the attacks.

At 12:15 p.m., an official ceremony began at the monument dedicated to the victims of acts of terrorism, located on Rue de la Loi in Brussels. Organised and coordinated by DG External Communication of FPS Chancellery of the Prime Minister, with the support of the Protocol Unit, the ceremony paid tribute to all victims of acts of terrorism perpetrated in Belgium as well as to all Belgian victims of acts of terrorism committed abroad.

After a speech by the Prime Minister and the laying of wreaths by Their Majesties the King and Queen, a minute of silence was observed. A video vignette was broadcast, focusing on the victims' resilience. Mr Aristide Melissas, a victim of the New York attack on 31 October 2017, then sang This One's for You, accompanied by the song's composer Ozark Henry.

Three victims of the attacks gave their accounts and the ceremony ended with the participants laying white roses on the monument.