Calgary's Field of Crosses opens Nov. 1 with 3,700+ crosses honoring southern Alberta's fallen
Memorial project north of Centre Street Bridge runs through Nov. 10 with daily sunrise and sunset ceremonies; admission free.
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The Field of Crosses returns to the site north of Memorial Drive, west of Centre Street Bridge, opening Nov. 1 for daily sunrise and sunset ceremonies through Nov. 10. Admission is free.
More than 3,700 crosses mark southern Albertans who gave their lives since the early 20th century, each bearing a soldier's name, date of death, and sometimes a picture. Six new crosses were added this year; 65 new names were added last year after families submitted recommendations and the project underwent research to verify them.
The field has occupied its current site for 18 years. Volunteers, including police, military cadets, military veterans, and community members, began cleaning and preparing crosses last month. On Saturday, they affixed poppies, secured crosses, and hauled markers. "People are becoming more aware of us over the years, once they see it, it makes them stop and think," said Susan Schalin, executive director. "We work all year getting this ready," she added, noting the community support was "just amazing."
The project honours soldiers including four from CFB Wainwright killed in a grassfire last weekend — though none were from southern Alberta, their names will be spoken and acknowledged at remembrance ceremonies, Schalin said.
Among the crosses is an Unknown Soldier memorial, one of 120 crosses representing Canada's 120,000 war dead. A new 5-km-long Veterans' Walkway along Memorial Drive, also new this year, brings together Calgarians' wartime stories. Robert Bagley, a military reservist veteran who helped reinforce crosses Saturday and served with the 5th Field Battery in Victoria and the King's Own Calgary Regiment, noted the turnout: "It's the first time I've seen so many kids here."
The timing, ahead of Remembrance Day, comes as hundreds of thousands of Albertans voted on a separatist pathway. Schalin expressed disappointment: "we just got to meet with families of the fallen who've lost their loved ones in Afghanistan, who fought for others' freedom and for their country."
Before you go
Where is the Field of Crosses located in Calgary?
The Field of Crosses is situated north of Memorial Drive, west of Centre Street Bridge.
Is there an admission fee?
Admission to the Field of Crosses is free.
How many crosses are displayed?
More than 3,700 crosses mark southern Albertans who gave their lives since the early 20th century, each bearing a soldier's name, date of death, and sometimes a picture.
