Calgarians can once again attend a series of sunrise and sunset ceremonies at the Field of Crosses this year. The annual display along Memorial Drive, now in its 18th year, includes more than 3,700 white crosses. The crosses serve as visual reminder of the thousands of Southern Albertans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The initiative also pays tribute to the 120,000 Canadian heroes across Canada who gave their lives in service through 120 special crosses in the park. “The tragedy at CFB Wainwright is a stark reminder of the dangers our Canadian soldiers, sailors and aircrew face,” said Sean Libin, Field of Crosses chairman, in a Tuesday news release. “The heartbreaking loss of four soldiers brings the meaning of remembrance into sharp focus. Behind every name we honour is a person, a family and a community forever changed by loss.” The Field of Crosses is located on Memorial Drive between Third Street N.W. and Centre Street. It’s free to attend and open to the public 24-7. “Field of Crosses has remained an essential memorial for our city, inspired by our unwavering gratitude to those who have served,” Libin said. Sunrise and sunset ceremony times The Field of Crosses will mark 11 days of remembrance from Nov. 1 to 11, during which time there will be sunrise and sunset ceremonies at the location. The ceremonies include uniformed first responders from the Calgary Police Service, Calgary Fire Department, Emergency Medical Services, Alberta Sheriffs and Royal Canadian Mounted Police, along with uniformed military personnel, including cadet groups and veterans. Attendees are requested to show up 10 to 15 minutes before the ceremony begins. Ceremony times: For the full schedule of events at Field of Crosses and to learn more, visit FieldOfCrosses.com.
