This commemorates Belgium's fallen in the two wars. Belgium is the only country in the world whose forces are allowed to march past the Cenotaph bearing arms; the right was granted by King George V in memory of wartime Belgian King Albert and in appreciation of the Belgian part in the Great War. This year, sadly, the Cenotaph itself was out of bounds because of security concerns from other high profile marches on the same day. The Guards Memorial in Horse Guards Parade made an excellent alternative, however, and the occasion was graced by Their Majesties the King and Queen on the Belgians.
Helen Baker had the opportunity afterwards to explain to Her Majesty the respect held for the First World War Belgians in the UK. The representatives of the different Belgian Refugee Project Groups have now agreed to form a Commbined Belgian Refugee Commemoration Group, to help with communication and future joint events.