Looking across the country each November, one of most poignant remembrances is the over 3,500 crosses that stand as silent reminders along five acres of Calgary’s Memorial Drive as part of the annual Field of Crosses Memorial Project. The crosses act as a visual representation to honour the fallen service members of Southern Alberta and Canada, who gave their today for our tomorrow.
From November 1st to 10th, Calgarians can visit the memorial and participate in daily sunrise and sunset ceremonies and a special Night of Lights tribute ceremony on the evening of November 10th. The memorial closes with a Remembrance Day service on November 11th.
The Field of Crosses is open to the public 24/7 and free of charge for those who wish to walk among the crosses to pay their respects.
Founded in 2009 and chaired by Calgary businessman and philanthropist, Murray McCann, Field of Crosses individually recognizes the thousands of Southern Albertans who paid the ultimate sacrifice in defence of freedom. In addition, the memorial also recognizes the 120,000 heroes from across Canada, who gave their lives, with 120 unique crosses within the park.
“The Field of Crosses ceremonies are meant to uphold the importance of Remembrance. Each day that passes we move further away from the wars our country fought in and the heroes that passed as time pushes forward, but we must not forget,” said McCann.
“The Field of Crosses is a poignant reminder that the freedom we enjoy is not without cost. This sobering display is a stark reminder of the atrocities of war, while also offering gratitude to those who fought for freedom and never came back. May they all rest in peace and know that they left behind a grateful and free country.”
School choirs, military personnel, buglers, pipers, Memorial Cross Families and many other special groups participate in the Eleven Days of Remembrance ceremonies.
