Tony Theijs’s Home in Linkhout Showcases D-Day Mural Display

Lummen (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Former soldier Tony Theijs, a former soldier in Linkhout, Lummen, created a large D-Day mural with artist Nihan Yilmaz. His son Mario helped; the house and small museum display soldiers, a Lancaster bomber, and war artefacts.

As VRT News reported, since July 2025, the front of Tony Theijs’s house in Linkhout, Lummen, Belgium, has been decorated with a large painting that honours D-Day. Tony Theijs is a former soldier who is well known in the community. He regularly attends the November 11th ceremonies, the commemorations of the Battle of Lummen, and events at the statue of the Peacekeeper near the administrative centre. 

“A few years ago, I saw a large mural at the Schaffen military airfield. I told my wife we should have a similar artwork on our wall at home,”

Theijs says.

How is Tony Theijs bringing D-Day history to life in his Linkhout home?

Theijs mentioned that the project took time to organise. Finding the right artist was difficult.

“We initially invited an artist from Bruges, but that was too far,”

says Theijs.

“Someone from Hasselt, on the other hand, thought the project was too big. Ultimately, we chose graffiti artist and teacher Nihan Yilmaz from Maasmechelen”

Tony’s son, Mario, first provided sketches to guide the work. After 3 visits, the artist Nihan began painting. The mural shows parachutes in the air, a soldier saluting after landing, and a large aeroplane flying above. He mentioned that each element highlights the courage and scale of D-Day. 

“We liked the work so much that he’s now allowed to spray paint two more helicopters. These will be two commandos, one sliding down a cable and another behind a machine gun,”

says Theijs.

The expansion of Tony Theijs’s D-Day tribute at his home in Linkhout continues.

“Another seven soldiers and paratroopers will be joining us,”

Theijs said. Some figures are shown getting equipment from crates, while others are already moving toward the front. 

Next year, new sketches will show the Lancaster bomber that crashed in De Goeren in Linkhout, with some figures on the ground floor. In addition, a tank will be added to create the effect of it driving out of the garage door. These new displays will be installed on the other side of the house.

Together with his son Mario, he has built a small war museum. The museum features artifacts and memorabilia from the 2 World Wars. Visitors can see history up close, adding context to the larger display on the house facade. 

“Besides uniforms, helmets, caps, and medals belonging to my father, grandfather, and father-in-law-who were also soldiers-we also have books and stamps from Hitler, Churchill, and De Gaulle. You’ll also find shells, a German Luger