The First World War (WWI) or the 'Great War' was the first international conflict on a global scale. It took place from 28 July 1914 until 11 November 1918. Millions of soldiers and civilians from nearly 50 countries lost their lives. As many Britons lost their lives in ‘Flanders Fields’, the memory to the war and the victims remains strong both in Flanders and in the United Kingdom.
Therefore, the commemoration of the First World War in the United Kingdom is very important to the Diplomatic Representation. The establishment of the 'Flanders Fields Memorial Garden' in 2014 in London is a remaining sign of remembrance and friendship between Flanders and the UK.
To commemorate the 100-years anniversary of the conflict, between 2014-2018, the Government of Flanders took numerous initiatives in order to commemorate the Great War Centenary in a fitting and respectful manner, emphasising the themes of peace, reconciliation, tolerance, intercultural dialogue and international understanding. Flanders also invested heavily in renovation, restoration and maintenance of WWI sites and museums in order to welcome the many visitors to the Flanders Fields area.