History
King Leopold I was the first King of Belgium to reign from 1831 to 1865. His main merit was that in the turbulent early years of our New State, he finally succeeded in having the Netherlands recognise Belgian independence in 1839.
Under the policy of H.M. King Leopold I, the Humane Association of Honorary Signs and Medals for acts of courage and self-sacrifice was founded in Brussels on 3 December 1865.
Since its foundation, the association has granted decorations and distinctions for acts of bravery and self-sacrifice, and it was only on 21 July 1867 that the State officially granted the decorations under the name of "Civil Awards".
On 7 September 1875, H.M. King Leopold II decided to donate a banner to the association.
The ceremony took place on 25 September 1875 at 1 p.m. with a grand procession from the Brussels Town Hall, headed by Mr. Mayor of Brussels and Honorary Chairman Mr. J. ANSPACH, Chairman Mr. V. VAN PARIS and Mr. J. DEVAUX.
The parade is composed of a large number of members, including former volunteers from 1830, and several delegates of Medallist Societies from the Provinces.
At 1.30 p.m., the banner was personally given to the association by H.M. King Leopold II in the Royal Palace.
By Royal Decree of 2 July 1893, the titles "Gift of the King" and "Royal Society" were added to the banner.
This first historical banner was officially presented to the Museum of the Dynasty on Saturday 7 December 1974 at 10 a.m., under the patronage of H.M. King Baudouin I.
During the Second World War and afterwards, when there was almost nothing to buy, all food was rationed, and on the black market not to pay for certain people, especially the elderly and relatives of fugitives who could not get help anywhere, the association of "Carriers of Medals and Signs of Belgium and of Humanity" decided to provide these people with complete meals. As far as the needy people were known, and there were hundreds of them, which was very much in wartime and given the circumstances.
On 14 January 1984, the association celebrated its 100th anniversary as a Royal Society under the patronage of H.M. King Baudouin I and the Honorary Presidency of Mr. H. BROUHON, Mayor of the City of Brussels.
Any interference in political, philosophical, religious or linguistic problems is prohibited.
Annually a donation is made to a charity.
Since 1963, our association has been placed under the patronage of H.M. King Baudouin I and has been His monogram embroidered in the corner of our banner.
The aim of the association is: Humanity and Patriotism:
a) To promote Patriotism with the institution: "Faithfulness to King and to Fatherland".
b) Reward acts of courage and self-sacrifice with the slogan: 'Save or perish'.
