The inaugural ceremony marking the start of the series of events leading up to Remembrance Day at Calgary’s Field of Crosses took place at sunrise on Saturday, amidst a poignant display of white crosses honoring individuals from southern Alberta who sacrificed their lives in service to the nation. This year, over 3,700 crosses have been installed along Memorial Drive N.W., each bearing the name of a fallen soldier from the province.
The daily ceremonies, conducted at both sunrise and sunset, include readings, a moment of reflection, and the playing of The Last Post. At dawn, the Canadian flag is raised, only to be lowered at dusk. This marks the 16th year of the Field of Crosses initiative, initiated by Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist Murray McCann.
Maj. (Ret’d) Kent Griffiths, the master of ceremonies, highlighted the dedication of thousands of volunteers who contribute their time throughout the year to the project, some volunteering for half a day and others attending daily. These volunteers also handle the meticulous task of cleaning, storing, and maintaining the crosses for future ceremonies.
The focus of the initial day’s ceremonies was on youth, symbolizing the young age of some of the fallen soldiers and the importance of passing down knowledge of Canada’s military history to younger generations. Griffiths emphasized the significance of educating youth about the country’s freedoms and heritage so they can appreciate and preserve them.
Students visiting the Field of Crosses receive commemorative cards featuring the name and photo of a deceased service member. Military researcher and project volunteer Bart Peake delves into the backgrounds of these individuals from various branches of the military to include on the cards, emphasizing their sacrifices and service.
The public is encouraged to visit the site at any time to pay their respects and read the stories inscribed on the crosses. Walking among the crosses can evoke strong emotions, as expressed by veteran Tom MacCarl, who has been involved with the project since its inception and emphasizes the profound impact of honoring those who gave their lives for the country’s freedom.
Details about the daily ceremonies can be accessed on the Field of Crosses website, with visitors advised to arrive a few minutes early. The culminating service will be held on Remembrance Day, commencing at 10:30 a.m. Traffic on Memorial Drive N.W. will be closed between 4th St. N.E. and 10th St. N.W. from 9 a.m. onwards. Last year, over 22,000 individuals attended the final service, reflecting the community’s strong support for the initiative.