Klerkens War Memorial

After World War I, the people of Klerken wanted to erect a monument as a tribute to the 42 victims. To pay for that statue, a collection was organized. Eventually, the sculptor Antoon Van Parys was appointed to make a sculpture. By removing a minimum of matter, he transformed a large piece of granite into a beautiful monument. At the top, a seated woman is seen wrapped in a long cloak with a cloth on her head (Mary). She holds her hands protectively on the head of a child (Jesus). This child carries a stylized garland of flowers between his outstretched hands. At the bottom lies a lifeless soldier in uniform, bandages around his head. This type of Marian representation is very closed and synthetic in its composition. It has a distinctly pyramidal structure, which creates a greater oppression for the viewer towards the wounded soldier and also increases the religious tension. The statue was inaugurated in 1924 and placed on the village square until it was moved to the church square on May 11, 1989. In August 1981, the names of the war victims of WWII were also chiseled into the monument.

Contact details:
- Klerkens War Memorial
- Dorpstraat, 8650 Klerken
- Web: www.houthulst.be

Vl. Toeristisch bezienswaardigheden