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The Lowdown on the Low Country

HerrScheisse · 2011-07-03 19:25:09

Belgium, most recently in the news for breaking the world record in government formation...ironically the motto of the country is "strength through unity". These days - anything but. But...the place does have a rich history. Colonialism, two worlds wars, Korea, Nato HQ means a wealth of military awards and medals and…

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#122 10-07-2012 10:36am
HerrScheisse

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Here is another variant of the Leopold II veterans medal.

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#123 10-07-2012 10:46am
HerrScheisse

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This medal commemorates the Independant State of Congo, the territory privately owned by Leopold II until he was forced by international pressure to give it up to the Belgian state in 1908.

Roger Casement, acting as British consul issued a report on such atrocities in 1903, but it would take 5 more years before it was relinquished.

The ribbon denotes the flag of the Independant State of Congo, a blue banner with a gold star. The front has the profile of Leopold, the rear two interlaced "L"s (symbol of Leopld II) and the motto "work and progress".

To be awarded this medal, two years of uninterrupted service between 1879 and 1908 were required in the Congo.

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