A Commemoration of Bravery

The Gabrielle Petit statue stands as a tribute to a courageous young woman who played a significant role during World War I as a spy for the Belgian resistance. Born in 1893, Petit joined the Belgian Red Cross and ultimately became an agent for MI1, gathering critical intelligence against the German forces. Her bravery was recognized when she was arrested and executed in 1916 for her actions, refusing to divulge the identities of her fellow agents. The statue, erected in her honor at Place Saint-Jean in Brussels, serves as a reminder of her sacrifice and national heroism. It was unveiled in 1923, celebrating her legacy as the first monument dedicated to a working-class woman in Belgium. This memorial not only commemorates her life but also highlights the stories of women who contributed to the war effort.