The new covered terrace was officially opened on Friday evening, September 20, 2024. The new covered terrace was named “Mayor Frans Desmidt terrace“. This is a tribute to our war mayor Frans Desmidt.
On June 7, 1944, Frans Desmidt was arrested by the Gestapo and he was transported to Ghent prison. From August 10 to the end of September 1944, he stayed in the camp from Buchenwald. He was transferred to Brunshausen in Kreis Gadersheim, where he was employed in the Heinkel factory. On November 25, 1944, he died in this camp as a result of a lung disorder, inadequate care and deprivation.
The inauguration took place in the presence of mayor Jan Morbee accompanied by various aldermen and local politicians.
Former Mayor Piet De Groote, grandson 'Michel Desmidt' and numerous prominent figures were also present.
Retirement blanket Thierry Coppieters't Wallant, National Chairman of Belgian War Volunteers and the clandestine press, was also present.