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🇧🇪 Belgium /Elections & Politics

Kapelle-op-den-Bos launches support campaign for restoration of historic war bell

From VRT NWS · (12m ago) Dutch Positive tone

Translated from Dutch, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Kapelle-op-den-Bos and the Flemish-Brabant Heritage Foundation are launching a fundraising campaign to restore a historic war bell in Ramsdonk.
  • The bell, originally confiscated by Germans in 1943, was replaced by a new one in 1944 and has been located in the Lourdes grotto for 50 years but is no longer functional.
  • The campaign aims to raise €5,000 for repairs and will conclude with a neighborhood event on July 4th, celebrating the bell tower's 50th anniversary.

In Kapelle-op-den-Bos, we understand the deep connection to local history and the importance of preserving our heritage. The story of the Ramsdonk war bell is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made during wartime and the resilience of our community.

In die periode werden de grondstoffen die nodig waren om wapens en munitie te maken schaars, en de Duitsers eisten in de kerken de klokken op

— Ria De VosExplaining the historical context of the German confiscation of church bells during WWII.

When the Germans confiscated church bells in 1943 for their war effort, it was a devastating blow. The two bells from Ramsdonk were brutally removed from the church tower. Thankfully, Jozef de Wachter crafted a new bell in 1944, which served our community until the mid-1960s. Its subsequent placement in the Lourdes grotto in 1976 marked a new chapter, and now, 50 years later, we are rallying to ensure its preservation.

Ook de 2 klokken van Ramsdonk werden met bruut geweld uit de kerktoren gehaald

— Ria De VosDescribing the forceful removal of the Ramsdonk bells.

This isn't just about a bell; it's about safeguarding a unique local narrative for future generations. The launch of this restoration campaign, complete with an informative plaque and QR code for donations, underscores our commitment. The upcoming neighborhood gathering on July 4th, coinciding with the bell tower's 50th anniversary, will be a testament to our shared history and community spirit. It's heartening to see ERF Vlaams-Brabant partnering with us to manage the practical aspects of this restoration, ensuring this piece of our past continues to resonate.

Dit unieke lokale verhaal verdient het om bewaard te blijven voor toekomstige generaties

— Mathias DiricxStating the importance of preserving the local story of the war bell.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by VRT NWS in Dutch. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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