Belgium‘s King Philippe recently recognized a diverse array of citizens for their contributions to society, in a national honors ceremony held at the Royal Palace in Brussels on July 19th[1]. The awards, spanning fields from law enforcement to the arts, underscore belgium’s commitment to acknowledging both public service and acts of profound resilience. Among those honored were Europol Director Catherine De Bolle and Holocaust survivor Simon Gronowski, representing critical leadership in security and a powerful testament to surviving past trauma. This year’s bestowal of honors included thirteen new hereditary titles of baron and baroness, a tradition dating back centuries in Belgian society[[[1]].
Belgium’s King has bestowed honors on a diverse group of citizens, recognizing leadership in law enforcement, humanitarian work, the arts, and academia. Among those recognized were Europol Director Catherine De Bolle and Holocaust survivor Simon Gronowski, in a ceremony highlighting both public service and resilience.
Holocaust Survivor Receives High Honor
Simon Gronowski, a survivor of the Holocaust, received the rank of Grand Officer of the Order of the Crown. Gronowski has spent years sharing his experiences of the Shoah worldwide, particularly with younger generations. The nonagenarian received a standing ovation during the ceremony, a testament to his enduring message. Gronowski was a survivor of the 20th transport from Mechelen to Auschwitz.
Catherine De Bolle, currently the director of Europol and a former Commissioner-General of the Federal Police, was appointed a Commander of the Order of Leopold for her leadership during and after the 2016 terrorist attacks. The recognition underscores the importance Belgium places on security leadership in the wake of those events.
In addition to De Bolle and Gronowski, the King also honored individuals in entrepreneurship, science, and humanitarian fields, including Loïc De Cannière, Arnaud Marchant, and Saskia Van Uffelen. Thirteen individuals were also granted the personal title of baron or baroness. This group included diplomats, academics, business leaders, and figures from the social and cultural sectors, such as diplomat Alexis Brouhns, FNRS Secretary-General Véronique Halloin, entrepreneur Gaëtan Hannecart, and art collector and interior designer Axel Vervoordt.
