A Special Woman on a Special Day

On the International Women’s Day, let’s remember one of the greatest women of Luxembourg: the Gëlle Fra. 

She is the golden statue that crowns the Monument of Remembrance, a tribute to the thousands of Luxembourgers who fought for freedom and peace in the world wars and the Korean War. 

The Gëlle Fra, which means “Golden Lady” in Luxembourgish, was created by the sculptor Claus Cito in 1923. She represents Nike, the goddess of victory, or the “Queen of Freedom”, as she is also called. She holds a laurel wreath in her hands, symbolizing the honor and glory of the fallen heroes. 

The Gëlle Fra has a turbulent history, as she was dismantled and hidden by the Nazis during the occupation of Luxembourg in World War II. She suffered severe damage when she fell from the obelisk, but she was rescued and restored after the liberation. She was reinstalled in 1985, after a long debate about her meaning and relevance. 

Today, the Gëlle Fra is a symbol of the resilience and courage of the Luxembourgish people, as well as a reminder of the sacrifices made for democracy and human rights. She is also a source of inspiration and pride for women, as she embodies the strength and dignity of the female spirit.

The picture I took shows the Gëlle Fra from an unusual perspective: from above, as seen from the summer ferris wheel. I wanted to capture her beauty and grace from a different angle, and to show how she stands out among the cityscape. 

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