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LOCAL MAN DEFENDS BELGIUM’S HONOUR AFTER TRUMP COMMENTS, TERROR ATTACKS
NO HELLH HE LLHOLE OLE
BY SUSAN ZIELINSKI ADVOCATE STAFF A Lacombe resident with ties to Belgium hopes the terrorist attacks in Brussels last week and insults by U.S. Republican candidate Donald Trump who called Brussels a “hellhole” earlier this year does not taint the small European country. “A hellhole is a place of squalor and misery. Belgium is not. Belgium is a wonderful little country,” said Andrew Nokes, 61, who was born in the United Kingdom and lived in Belgium for 11 years before becoming a Canadian citizen. “A lot of people don’t know much about it, and it’s certainly not a hellhole,” said Nokes who works in the chemical industry at Joffre. Nokes said he was tempted not to say anything but wrote the Advocate a letter to the editor out of concern that people may agree with Trump and his anti-Brussels rant. Nokes found out about the explosions at the Brussels Airport and Maalbeek metro station early Tuesday from his ex-wife who lives in Brussels. His ex-inlaws also live in Brussels and one of his daughters and grandchildren live in a small town in southern Belgium. Everyone was safe. Attacks by three Islamic State suicide bombers killed 28 people and injured about 330. Nokes said people in Brussels are likely feel anxious, and he would too. But labeling the country a terrorist hotbed is wrong. “I don’t think the terrorists have anything against Belgium. Belgium just happens to be a convenient place to do what they did. “Bear in mind (attacks) have happened in London. It’s happened in Paris. It’s happened in Spain. It’s part of today’s life. You just hope it’s not going to be to you.” He said the country has a history of rallying back from misfortune with a fighting spirit. “It’s a country with a very rich cultural background. Quite a diverse collection nationalities. I think they will recover very quick.” Nokes plans to visit the U.K. and Belgium this summer with his 15-year-old daughter. szielinski@reddeeradvocate.com
Contributed photos
Andrew Nokes and his family have wonderful memories of living and visiting Belgium with its rich history and beauty.
Dear Editor, It was with a heavy heart that I received news from family in Belgium this morning about the bombing in Brussels or Bruxelles. That small country which Donald Trump made disparaging remarks about, the country where, sadly, so many lives were lost by troops of numerous nationalities during the first and second world wars. I lived on the outskirts of Mons in the Rue de Americains, next to the Rue des Canadiens, where the American and Canadian troops had pitched their tents at the end of WW1. My cross country runs back in the 90’s took me through numerous tiny grave yards with grave stones remembering teenagers of both sides, who had lost their lives to such a horrific example of bullying. It’s sad that now more lives are being lost indiscriminately in this small country. A relatively young country, created in 1831 with their first King (Leopold I ), who had married Princess Charlotte of Wales (daughter of King George IV). The country where Adolph Sax invented the saxophone. The country famous for its beer and chocolate. The country of Jean Claude Van Dam (The Muscles from Brussels) and Jacques Brel (singer). A country that can fit into Alberta at least 22 times with a population of 10.5 million. It’s a country with its own social challenges from the loss of its once lucrative coal and steel indus-
tries, now offering those interested in industrial archaeology a wonderful source of interest dating back to the 18th century. Brussels is one of the homes of the Art Nouveau movement with numerous examples of architect Victor Horta designs. The Belgians (Von Karman Institute) are also a source of new technology and are organizing an international cube satellite project in which the University of Alberta is participating. Furthermore, they (the Belgians) are carrying out research work to help one of our chemical companies in Joffre. For me it’s a country with so many happy memories. The Ardennes with its forests and small villages, where I ran numerous kilometres in orienteering competitions (no bears!). Liège, with its castle and river where I rowed in regattas. The country where I discovered how to cook chicon gratin (a delicious dish with endives, wrapped in slices of ham and covered in a bechamel sauce). The country where I learned how to speak French in a car assembly factory. The country with its joyous carnivals. The country that I hope we don’t forget, along with those who have lost members of their family and friends. I hope I am not alone in feeling a heavy heart and sadness about current events in Belgium. Incidentally, as a British citizen, now Canadian, I was adopted by Belgium for 11 years. Andrew Nokes
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Photo by SUSAN ZIELINSKI/Advocate staff
Andrew Nokes, of Lacombe, has a collection of books from the years he lived in Belgium and photos taken of historical architecture from vacations he has enjoyed in that country.
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