Eerste verjaardag van de Belgische revolutie op de Place des Martyres, gevierd door de "association des vraies patriotes" 1831

This bronze medal by M. Borrel commemorates the first anniversary of the Belgian Revolution, celebrated at the Place des Martyrs. This site became a symbol of Belgian independence, honoring those who died fighting for freedom from Dutch rule. The medal encapsulates the fervor and complexity of nation-building. The ‘Association des Vrais Patriotes’ or Association of True Patriots, suggests the revolution was not just about independence but also about defining who truly belonged to the new nation. It hints at the debates and exclusions that often accompany the forging of national identity. One side depicts the memorial at Place des Martyrs, draped with flags and shaded by a weeping willow. These symbols evoke both the grief and the promise inherent in the revolution. It's a poignant reminder that the fight for independence, while collective, is also deeply personal, etched in the memories and experiences of individuals.