Monument for the resistance fighters

Right by the Horendonkse forests, in Hornick, stands a new memorial. It is a tribute to the resistance fighters during World War II, and more specifically to the Essen resistance fighter Jos Loos.

The statue was created at the initiative of the Essen brothers Vladdi and Robin Theuns. They collaborated with Gerard Loos, who is a nephew of resistance hero Jos Loos. Together they created the memorial in corten steel and natural stone.

With this, they pay homage to the various resistance movements. Among others, Essenaar Jos Loos played an active role in the resistance movement De Witte Brigade - Fidelio. This happened after he first participated as a soldier in the Battle of the Leie in 1940 and was captured for a while.

This marked and motivated him. Loos risked a lot for the resistance. During World War II, he sheltered American, Canadian, and British pilots or brought them to safety. This was gratefully acknowledged by the Commonwealth. Air Chief Marshal Arthur Tedder personally signed that appreciation. Besides pilots, Jos Loos also brought other people to safety during the war.

Wim Blankers