US Ambassador Bill White visited the Flanders Field American Cemetery and Memorial in Waregem (West Flanders) on Sunday. It is the only American cemetery in Belgium with graves from the Great War. Together with Prime Minister Bart De Wever (Flemish nationalist N-VA), he attended a memorial service for the 368 American soldiers buried here. ‘It makes me very emotional. I have worked with American war veterans my whole life.’
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“Now you’re exaggerating a tad” Prime Minister De Wever tells US Ambassador Bill White
Colin Clapson
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Ambassador Bill White emphasises the personal nature of his work with war veterans. ‘I know the personal stories of many of them. Although I never served in the army myself, this work feels like my way of making a contribution.’
White also explained that his efforts have always been focused on recognition and appreciation for veterans, but also on fair financial compensation. 'For years that wasn’t the case, but it has since been rectified.'
Commemoration without politics
According to Ambassador White, the day is entirely about respect and remembrance. ‘This day has nothing to do with politics. It is a wonderful opportunity to honour our nation’s fallen heroes.’
‘We are sincerely grateful to the people of Belgium and their government for their support of our brave men and women who gave their lives, and to their families who are here today. That is today’s message: we commemorate, we honour and we show our love to those families.’
Prime Minister De Wever emphasised the historic bond between the two countries. 'Places like this show that our alliance is much older than just a couple of years. Our bond is a century old and very strong.'
Controversy over circumcisers
The two men did not discuss White’s controversial remarks about the Belgian judiciary and the case against Jewish circumcisers. Ambassador White: ‘No, we didn’t discuss that. There are important matters on the Belgian government’s agenda, such as the budget and other crucial issues.’
‘I do not disagree with the Prime Minister on any point.’
To which PM De Wever replied: ‘Now you might be exaggerating a little, Bill. We had a friendly discussion, but that is perfectly normal!’