Large Limburg delegation attends Marcinelle mine disaster commemoration

A significant delegation from Limburg, Belgium, participated in the 70th anniversary commemoration of the devastating Marcinelle mining disaster, which occurred on August 8, 1956. This year's observance held particular importance for Limburg due to the concurrent commemoration of 80 years since the bilateral agreement between Belgium and Italy that facilitated the migration of many Italians to work in Limburg's coal mines.

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In 1946, Belgium and Italy signed a bilateral agreement. Until 1956, many Italians came to Belgium to work in the mining industry. When the Marcinelle disaster happened in 1956, alarm bells rang in Italy, and it became clear that the mines were unsafe. The migration from Italy largely stopped then, and from that point on, more thought was given to safety.

Gianni Batista of the multicultural association AIF Genk explained that the 1946 agreement led to a substantial influx of Italians into Belgium's mining industry until 1956. "When the Marcinelle disaster happened in 1956, alarm bells rang in Italy, and it became clear that the mines were unsafe," Batista stated. "The migration from Italy largely stopped then, and from that point on, more thought was given to safety."

The disaster claimed the lives of 262 individuals, 136 of whom were Italian. During the commemoration, the names of all 262 victims were read aloud, accompanied by the striking of a bell. "We must not forget this day," said Gianni Batista. "It is important for the Italian community in Limburg to be present here."

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We must not forget this day. It is important for the Italian community in Limburg to be present here.

Gisiu Testani added, "What happened here also affects Limburg." She highlighted the special nature of the day, combining the remembrance of the disaster with the 80th anniversary of Italian migration. "It is a piece of our ancestors' history that we must not forget." A solemn floral tribute followed, with 100 wreaths laid at the monument by various organizations, including AIF Genk and ACLI Limburg.

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What happened here also affects Limburg. It is a special day, because we commemorate 80 years of Italian migration and because it is 70 years since the disaster occurred. That is a piece of our ancestors' history that we must not forget.

Louis Verrees, a former miner who worked in the rescue service in Genk, emphasized the civic duty to attend. "Even in Limburg, there were victims in the mines; that is often forgotten." The Marcinelle disaster is recognized as a turning point in Belgian migration history, prompting Belgium to establish agreements with other countries like Morocco and Turkey for labor. The article reflects on how Limburg's landscape might have been different without the disaster, potentially resembling Argentina with a large Italian enclave.

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I find it important to be present here as an ex-miner. I worked in the rescue service in Genk; it is our civic duty to be here. Even in Limburg, there were victims in the mines; that is often forgotten.