Inauguration Brothers In Arms Memorial Park Zonnebeke
The inauguration took place on Sunday morning, September 25, 2022, while the park is actually not quite finished yet. This historic date was chosen because J. Hunter died there on September 26, 1917, in his brother’s arms. The Australian brothers fought in the Westhoek during the First World War. Bronze artist Louis Laumen made a bronze statue that weighs 800 kg.
Landscape architect Andy Malengier designed the half-acre park. He chose sustainable Belgian blue stone to clad the 66m long plinth and the various standing stones and walls. On one of those monuments, with personal approval, an excerpt from Mark Knopfler’s song “Brothers In Arms” “Dire Straits” was cut out. Symbol for a universal message of peace.
Further finishing and training guides
Soon there will be another access road in the park, two more bronze rings and the symbol of eternal connection. In addition, a guide course is planned to have enough trained guides in the region who can convey the correct story of the park’s creation and the universal world message of Peace, unity, reconciliation and connection to the visitors.
In a next phase, a reception and experience area, an educational center and a memorial corner will be added to the site.