On 11 November 2017, the hippo visitor centre was opened at the Gaverbeekhippodroom. WAR opened. You will learn more about the role of the horse and the Americans during the First World War. The link between Waregem and these two topics is easy to make.
Waregem is the horse capital of Flanders and every year numerous horse races are organized at the Gaverbeekhippodroom. The highlight of all these events is the world-famous Waregem Koerse. A real high day for Waregem! The location at the Gaverbeekhippodroom forms a nice link with the first story in HIPPO. WAR, that of the horses in WWI. Horses were used less during the fights, but all the more for transport. In total, more than 3 500 000 horses died during this war. These silent heroes of war are often forgotten, but their role was very important.
The link to the second story in HIPPO. WAR is the role of the American soldiers in the liberation of Waregem and the presence of the American cemetery Flanders Field on Waregem's territory. Flanders Field is the only cemetery in Belgium of American soldiers who died in WWI. The close link between the United States and Waregem is also evident every year at the Memorial Day ceremony at the cemetery. A total of 368 soldiers are buried and 43 names of missing people are listed on the Wall of the missing. Between HIPPO. WAR and Flanders Field made a symbolic link with 411 pavement nails. On every pavement nail there is a name of a soldier who is buried or listed as missing at Flanders Field.
This cycle route starts at HIPPO. WAR and takes you along various war-related locations in Waregem and the boroughs. Both the First and Second World Wars are covered during this bike tour.