Iron pilgrimage asks itself the question “Will Flanders reach 2030?”

The IJzerbedevaart is an annual gathering in Diksmuide (Kaaskerke) in memory of the fallen Flemish soldiers of the First World War. During his speech, Johan Velghe, vice-chairman of the non-profit association Aan de IJzer, wondered why Flemish people do not fly the lion flag on 11 July and why they are insulted at the slightest expression of Flemish orientation.

He called for an inclusive, solidarity-based Flanders where peace, prosperity and well-being, sovereignty and democracy reign. The committee asked Flemish politicians to stop their political games and immediately start working on poverty reduction, better pensions, less road safety and fair taxation. “This is the only way to ensure that the Flemish are not even more scared and angry and that the bed is not made for extremist parties.”

The ceremony was traditionally concluded with a flower tribute in honor of all victims of war and violence and the singing of the Flemish Lion,