October 18, 2023 – Farewell to Arms and Investiture of the New Military Commander of the Province of Namur

A page is turning in the military history of the Province of Namur with the ceremony of the transfer of military command.

Lieutenant-Colonel Xavier Van De Werve de Schilde officially handed over the "symbolic saber" to Major-General Geert de Decker. The latter, as a sign of handover and continuity, then entrusted it to his successor, Colonel Dominique Libert, thus marking the end of Lieutenant-Colonel Van De Werve's term as military commander of the province.

Denis Mathen, Governor of the Province, emphasized the importance of the military commander's role as advisor to the Governor in the provincial security unit. He also highlighted the need to continue multidisciplinary crisis management exercises with the participation of municipalities and the Ministry of Defense.

At the same time, another handover took place with Warrant Officer Patrick Materne handing over to Warrant Officer Laurent Evrard.

Following a convivial reception, a concert by the Royal Band of the Guides offered a varied repertoire, ranging from tango to film and video game music, demonstrating the richness and cultural diversity within the army. The highlight was a masterful rendition of the British march "Namur," a musical tribute to the history of the city and its military heroes.

This change of command, while honoring the past, opens a new chapter for the army and the security of the Province of Namur.