Field of Crosses: Calgary Cold War vet calls latest nuclear war threat ‘ludicrous’
Dozens of volunteers were working along Memorial Drive in Calgary on Saturday, erecting the annual Field of Crosses Memorial Project. Click to watch the video. In total, 3,400 crosses are being displayed this year on to memorialize Southern Alberta soldiers who were...
Field of Crosses honours fallen southern Alberta soldiers
Thousands of fallen soldiers from southern Alberta are once again being honoured in the Field of Crosses in Calgary. Click to watch the video. Volunteers began work Saturday on the field, which sees the name of each southern Alberta soldier killed in action — dating...
Hundreds of new crosses join solemn field honouring fallen soldiers
On a calm, fall morning along the Bow River, Royal Canadian Air Force veteran Dan McLean looked on as the annual commemoration of his fallen comrades began. Click to watch the video. McLean spent Saturday morning looking over the Field of Crosses, which from Nov....
Students attend sunrise ceremony in honour of fallen Canadians
The Field of Crosses along Memorial Drive honours soldiers from southern Alberta who lost their lives fighting for Canada and on Thursday a number of students from Sunnyside Elementary attended the sunrise ceremony to learn more about the initiative. Click to watch...
Remembrance day begins in Calgary with the sunset ceremony at the field of crosses.
Tue, Nov 1: A lot of Canadians, put on poppies to show respect, and support. Here in calgary, the first sunset ceremony at the field of crosses. The site should have a lot of visitors over the next 11 days, and the legion will take all the support they can get. As the...
Happy St. Patrick's Day from all of us at The Field of Crosses 🍀
𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘳𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘶𝘱 𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶.
𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘢𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬.
𝘔𝘢𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘯 𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘳𝘮 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦;
𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘰𝘧𝘵 𝘶𝘱𝘰𝘯 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘧𝘪𝘦𝘭𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘭 𝘸𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘦𝘵 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯,
𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘎𝘰𝘥 𝘩𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘱𝘢𝘭𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘏𝘪𝘴 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥.
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It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our dear friend and honoured veteran, Corporal George Morasch.
George passed away at the age of 102, having lived a remarkable life of service, courage and dedication. At the time of his passing, he was Calgary’s most senior veteran.
Born in Calgary to Adam and Elizabeth Morasch, George was raised on a farm east of Didsbury. In 1942, following the outbreak of the Second World War, he enlisted in the Canadian Army and proudly served with The Calgary Highlanders. After training in England, he landed in Normandy with the regiment on July 6, 1944. He fought through Normandy, Belgium and Holland, and later served as part of the Army of Occupation in Germany. During the fighting around Hill 67 near Caen, his regiment faced heavy casualties as they secured the strategic position for the Allies. George was wounded during the battle but continued to carry the pride of his service with him for the rest of his life.
After returning home, George eventually began a career with Alberta Treasury Branch, where he met the love of his life, Fern Minderlen. They were married in 1969 and shared more than 50 years of love, kindness and devotion together until Fern’s passing in 2020.
In his later years, George dedicated much of his time to educating younger generations about the sacrifices made during the Second World War and the freedoms those sacrifices helped secure. He spoke at schools, public commemorations and events in Canada and overseas, ensuring the stories of his generation would never be forgotten.
Thank you for your service, Sir. The world is a better place because of you, and your legacy will never be forgotten.
You will be deeply missed.
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On this International Women’s Day, we recognize the courage, service, and sacrifice of the Canadian women who have helped shape our nation’s military, from the past to the present.
From the nurses who first cared for the wounded in times of war, to the women who stepped forward to serve overseas and on the home front during the First and Second World Wars, their contributions helped break barriers and open the door for future generations.
Today, women proudly serve in every trade within the Canadian Armed Forces, continuing a legacy of dedication, strength, and service to our country.
Each November, during our 11 Days of Remembrance, the Field of Crosses also honours the Women of War during our Sunrise and Sunset ceremonies, recognizing the lasting impact of their service and sacrifice.
Today we honour those who served, those who serve today, and all the women who help make our country stronger.
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We are deeply grateful for the generosity of the Calgary Naval Veterans Association (CNVA). Their support enables Field of Crosses to continue our mission of honouring over 3,600 Southern Albertans and the 120,000 Canadians who gave their lives in service to our country. Thank you CNVA - your generosity will help to ensure the Field of Crosses remains a meaningful and enduring place of remembrance for generations to come.
Pictured: (L) Scott Hauser, Donations Chair CNVA with Sean Libin, Chairman Field of Crosses Board of Directors (R)
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Every February, Canadians come together to recognize Black History Month and honour the remarkable impact Black Canadians have had on our country. It’s a moment to learn, reflect, and remember the stories that have shaped our shared history.
This month also offers an opportunity to highlight the life of Samuel Watts, whose sacrifice is honoured each November at the Field of Crosses.
𝐖𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐬, 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐮𝐞𝐥 𝐃.
35 – Pte 50th Bn
Date of Death: 22/08/17
Samuel Daniel Watts was born May 25, 1882 in Texas, USA. Samuel immigrated from Oklahoma to Canada and at the age of 34 enlisted in Olds, Alberta – joining the Canadian Infantry (Alberta Regiment) and was assigned to the 50th Battalion. He was also a member of the 187 Battalion Brass Band.
Samuel was only one of a few African-Canadians to have served during the First World War – yet despite the hardships they faced, he bravely served his country like all of the others who went off to war.
Samuel was killed on August 22, 1917, leaving behind his wife Margaret and three children. He was well known for being a cook, a western song writer and a brilliant inventor with several patents pending in Ottawa at the time.
Samuel Daniel Watts is buried in Lapugnoy Military Cemetery, Pas de Calais, France.
www.fieldofcrosses.com/
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