More than 150 volunteers installed more than 3,700 crosses along Memorial Drive in northwest Calgary on Saturday. They helped bring the annual Field of Crosses display to life, transforming the area into a powerful place of remembrance. Each cross honours the thousands of Southern Albertans who made the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedom. Volunteers installed each cross by hand, attaching personalized biographical cards, poppies and Stars of David. Six new crosses were added this year -- of individuals that organizers learned about from their families, during the last year. “Every year when I look over these crosses, it has the same emotional effect on me,” said Field of Crosses founder Murray McCann." “Many of our young men and women lost their lives for the great life that we have,” he said. This is the 18th year for the Field of Crosses. “It’s a very visible area, and that’s what Memorial Drive was meant to be in the very beginning, with so many spots along the way of remembrance,” said Susan Schalin, Field of Crosses executive director. This year, the cross of the unknown soldier was moved to a new spot, to allow for an expanded parade square area, for the Remembrance Day service. More information on the Field of Crosses can be found here.
