History in flames: Belgium recalls Leuven’s ruins

By Raf Casert

Published August 24, 2014 10:58am ET

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History in flames: Belgium recalls Leuven’s ruins — In this picture taken on Monday, Jan. 6, 2014, the interior of the Leuven University Library in Leuven, Belgium. The German invading forces set the heart of Leuven alight during the early days of World War I, paying special attention to the gem of learning and history, the university library. The library was later rebuilt with donations coming from around the world. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert) | Geert Vanden Wijngaert

LEUVEN, Belgium (AP) — A century after German forces burned down the Leuven University library, Marie Legrand still has visions of the horrid scene. Even the scent of smoke she smelled as a 3-year-old stings in her mind to this day.

“When I close my eyes like I do now, I see the whole city in front of me, and the flames,” she told The Associated Press at her home, fanning invisible flames with her frail hands.

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