Menin Gate is a famous war memorial located in the city of Ypres, Belgium. It was built to commemorate the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I, particularly those who fought in the Ypres Salient. The gate was designed by Sir Reginald Blomfield and was completed in 1927.
The Menin Gate is a massive structure made of white stone, standing at 54 meters wide and 26 meters high. It features a central archway that is flanked by two smaller arches on either side. The archway is adorned with a large bronze plaque that bears the names of over 54,000 soldiers who died in the Ypres Salient and have no known grave.
The gate is also adorned with various sculptures and carvings that depict the soldiers and the battles they fought. The most prominent of these is the statue of a lion that stands atop the gate, symbolizing the bravery and courage of the soldiers who fought in the war.
Every evening at 8 pm, a moving ceremony takes place at the Menin Gate. The Last Post, a bugle call that was traditionally played at the end of the day on the battlefield, is sounded by a group of buglers. This ceremony has been held every evening since 1928, except during the German occupation of Ypres during World War II.
The Menin Gate is not only a memorial to the soldiers who lost their lives in the Ypres Salient, but it is also a symbol of the sacrifices made by all soldiers who fought in World War I. It is a powerful reminder of the horrors of war and the importance of peace.
