Wings of Memory was founded by a group of people who left the Belgian Aviation History Association in 2010. Since 1997, various members had carried out 21 recoveries of WWII warplanes that crashed in Belgium and felt that not enough was being done to preserve the memory of these dramatic events for the future. Books were written about the stories behind the recoveries, but nothing concrete was done for the fallen crew members or their families. A first monument was erected in 1997 for a Halifax aircraft, where three missing airmen were finally given a grave. Organizing a commemoration and establishing a monument usually requires years of work, research, and dedication. The founders of Wings of Memory therefore decided to join forces and, in addition to salvage operations, explore the possibilities of honoring fallen crew members through a monument and a memorial ceremony, in which family members are closely involved.
The Wings Of Memory team now has an extensive network of contacts that makes it possible to locate relatives of fallen crew members, and has the support of veterans’ associations such as the Royal Air Force Association, the British Legion, Vieilles Tiges and the Belgian Air Component to organize commemorations.
Unbreakable bonds have also been forged with the families of fallen crew members around the world. It’s important for them to know that the deaths of their loved ones are not forgotten. Wings Of Memory erected monuments for fallen aircraft in the Geraardsbergen region.
Finally, Wings Of Memory also ensures that the memorial is honored annually and that the necessary tribute is paid to the fallen crews on Remembrance Day.
