21 July is Belgium’s National Day, and a holiday. The park in central Brussels was taken over by the Belgian armed forces and NATO, showcasing their role in the country and in the world. I picked a couple of DVDs about NATO’s role in the former Yugoslavia and its engagement in Afghanistan.
![](https://www.wasaweb.net/images/snapshots/Belgian-National-Day-1.jpg)
The military band was playing too.
![](https://www.wasaweb.net/images/snapshots/Belgian-National-Day-2.jpg)
A taste of military life?
![](https://www.wasaweb.net/images/snapshots/Belgian-National-Day-3.jpg)
For some reason, Manneken Pis was dressed up in the costume of an accordionist.
![](https://www.wasaweb.net/images/snapshots/Belgian-National-Day-4.jpg)
Aeroplanes flew in formation: part of the parade. After jet fighters came these propeller-operated planes.
![](https://www.wasaweb.net/images/snapshots/Belgian-National-Day-5.jpg)
![](https://www.wasaweb.net/images/snapshots/Belgian-National-Day-6.jpg)