Investigation Launched into Damage to Belgian Triumphal Arch Following Fireworks at U.S. 250th Anniversary Celebration

U.S. Embassy in Belgium Hosted Celebration on June 28
Firework Debris Found on Roof, Ornaments Scorched

Authorities have launched an investigation after signs of damage were discovered on part of the iconic triumphal arch in Brussels, Belgium, following the United States' 250th anniversary celebration held in the city.

On July 3, Yonhap News, citing Belgian daily De Standaard and others, reported that the roof and ornaments of the triumphal arch at the center of Saint-Catherine Park in Brussels were found to be damaged immediately after the United States' 250th anniversary celebration, which was held at the park on June 28, 2026.

The scene of the celebration for the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States held at Parc du Cinquantenaire in Brussels, Belgium, on the 28th of last month (local time). Photo by Reuters Yonhap News

The roof of the arch showed black scorch marks in several places, and remnants of fireworks were found. In addition, one of the statues decorating the eaves sustained minor damage, leading to suspicions that the fireworks display during the event may have contributed to the damage. While cautioning against drawing premature conclusions, the federal authorities in charge of managing the structure stated, "We will objectively examine whether the damage to the arch was caused by the United States' 250th anniversary celebration or by the severe weather, including thunder and lightning, that struck the Brussels area in the early morning of June 28."

The triumphal arch at Saint-Catherine Park, the largest park in Brussels, was built in 1880 with the support of Leopold II to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Belgium's independence. The arch underwent restoration work, which was completed last year.

The United States' 250th anniversary celebration, organized by the U.S. Embassy in Belgium, was mired in controversy even before it began. The organizers closed the park for several days before and after the event, citing security reasons, which prompted backlash from local residents. There were also concerns that the noise from music and fireworks would negatively affect rare bird populations that inhabit the park.

On the day of the event, Greenpeace staged a surprise protest in Brussels' central Grand Place, unfurling a giant banner that read, "War, Greed, Energy Crisis: What Is There to Celebrate?" In doing so, the group criticized the U.S. government and protested the hosting of a large-scale celebration for the United States' 250th anniversary in Brussels.

Approximately 9,000 people, including Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, as well as political, government, and diplomatic figures from Brussels, attended the celebration. The event featured large-scale fireworks and an air show. Bill White, U.S. Ambassador to Belgium, stated that the $5 million (about 7,656,500,000 won) budget for the event was funded by contributions from more than 200 American and Belgian companies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.