Bust of Amedee Verbruggen - Basel

The impressive bust of Amedee Verbruggen (1886–1980), nicknamed “the cobblestone layer of the Flemish movement”, was unveiled on 13 April 1988. “He is the little Fleming who had to dig and crookedly make his way, but after an honourable and courageous struggle, was able to stand upright and proud to face Flemish emancipation.”

Born in Basel to a working-class family, he began working as a cobblestone layer at the age of fifteen – a profession he later pursued at the Yser Front during the First World War. After the war, he emerged as a popular orator on the Flemish front and became a key figure in political organizations such as the Association of Flemish Veterans and the VNV.

During World War II, he was alderman for Public Works in Basel. After the war, he was arrested and imprisoned; he lost his wife and two children in the process. Nevertheless, he remained active in community life well into his old age.

Willem Vandenameele