Ceremony marks legacy of ‘field of crosses’ founder
CALGARY- A solemn ceremony was held at sunrise on Thursday morning, in honour of a Calgary man whose vision and determination helped establish the field of crosses along Memorial Drive. George Bittman was a navy veteran and former head of the Poppy Fund, before dying...
Field of Crosses Memorial Project – Wire Source
The McCann Family Foundation, the Calgary Poppy Fund and the Field of Crosses Memorial Project's volunteer board of directors wishes to welcome Calgarians to the annual Field of Crosses Memorial Project. "A yearly tribute to Southern Alberta's fallen soldiers" In...
Sunrise ceremonies to honour Albertans killed in war
The crosses are back on Memorial Drive. There are thousands of them, each white marker a stark reminder of the many southern Alberta soldiers to die in combat. Murray McCann, whose McCann Family Foundation funds the project to erect crosses along Memorial Drive in...
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As we prepare for our Eleven Days of Remembrance, we at the Field of Crosses find ourselves reflecting on the immense sacrifices made by countless brave men and women in defense of our freedom. The past generosity of Calgarians has been invaluable in helping us honour these heroes, and today, we are reaching out to you to underscore the importance of your support.
The Field of Crosses project, which transforms Calgary’s Memorial Drive into a stunning visual tribute each November, stands as a powerful reminder of the cost of our liberty. Each cross represents a fallen military member—a life cut short in the pursuit of peace and a family forever changed. The sight of these crosses instills a deep sense of gratitude and reflection in all who witness them, making it an essential part of our community’s commemoration efforts.
From November 1 to November 11, the Field of Crosses will again honour the men and women from Southern Alberta who answered the call to serve and gave their lives for democracy around the world. As a registered charitable organization (#74426 0084 RR0001), community donations directly support the installation and maintenance of more than 3,620 crosses, and the organization of poignant ceremonies and educational programs that engage younger generations in understanding the significance of Remembrance Day.
You can support this initiative by “Adopting a Cross” for $100.00, making a personal contribution in any amount, or simply taking the time to visit with your family and friends during these eleven days in November. By contributing to the Field of Crosses, you ensure that the memories of our fallen heroes remain alive, their stories are told, and their sacrifices are never forgotten.
You can provide your support online at www.FieldofCrosses.com, or by mailing a cheque payable to Field of Crosses at 84 Edgeland Rise NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3A 4E1.
#FieldofCrosses #Calgary #YYC #WeRemember #NeverForget #CanadianArmedForces #History #Veterans #FallenHeroes #Remembrance
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All the crosses have been unloaded and organized, ready for a month of Saturday “cross prep” sessions. A huge thank you to Parts Canada and their team for generously providing a beautiful warehouse space where we can work comfortably throughout the month. We also want to extend our gratitude to all the incredible volunteers who came out—kudos on a job well done!
We still have a few volunteer spots available for Saturday, September 7th, in the afternoon—hope to see you there!
Click the link below to sign up and select your preferred tasks and dates. Our system shows real-time availability for volunteer spaces, and after registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details.
www.fieldofcrosses.com/volunteers/
#FieldofCrosses #Volunteer #Calgary #YYC #Remembrance #CanadianArmedForces #NeverForget #ThankYou
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Looking forward to tomorrow!
Love your dedication ❤️✝️🕯️
Andrea Cross
❤️❤️❤️❤️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️✝️
𝐅𝐎𝐒𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐆𝐞𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐞 𝐆
Age 44 – Capt 442 TransSqn
Date of Death: 09/08/1974
George Garry Foster was born June 13, 1930, the son of Clifford and Marge Foster of Calgary, Alberta. George was the husband of Jo Anne Foster and father of Jonathan and Anthony.
He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force on March 4, 1955, and rose to the rank of Captain Pilot with the 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron. He was based in Ismalia, Egypt and attached to 116 Air Transportation Unit of the United Nations Emergency Force.
While on a peacekeeping flight to Damascus, Syria his Buffalo Aircraft C-115461 was accidently shot down by several Syrian defense missile strikes. Foster was killed in action August 9, 1974, along with eight other Canadian servicemen.
The ‘Buffalo 9’ who died that day are commemorated on the Memorial Wall at Peacekeepers Park and on a monument at Buffalo Park, both monuments are in Calgary, Alberta.
On June 18, 2008, the Parliament of Canada proclaimed the ninth of August as ‘National Peacekeepers Day’ in Canada.
Each November during the Eleven Days of Remembrance the Field of Crosses in Calgary commemorates Captain George G Foster.
www.fieldofcrosses.com/
#FieldofCrosses #Canada #Remembrance #Peacekeepers #AirForce #History #NeverForget
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One of the Buffalo Nine. Their Buffalo was struck 3 times that day by Syria, a sad day indeed. May they all Rest in Peace 🇨🇦
As we prepare for this year’s 11 Days of Remembrance, we need your support to bring this meaningful tribute to life. Every year, both new and returning volunteers play a crucial role in honouring the thousands of Southern Albertans who gave everything to protect our freedom.
From November 1 to November 11, each morning at sunrise and each evening at sunset we hold moving flag ceremonies, featuring school choirs, military personnel, buglers, pipers, Memorial Cross Families, and special guests. On November 11, a solemn and televised Remembrance Day service will take place to pay tribute to our fallen.
We’re seeking volunteers to assist with the following:
Cross Preparation: September 5, 7, 14, 21, 28 & October 24
Site Preparation: October 19
Cross Installation: October 26
Cross Takedown: November 12
💻 Sign up today on our website to select your preferred tasks and dates. Our system shows real-time availability for volunteer spaces, and after registering, you'll receive a confirmation email with all the necessary details.
📍 Locations:
Warehouse (Cross Preparation): Parts Canada, #195, 1820 - 100 Avenue NE
Field of Crosses (Site Preparation, Installation, Takedown): 200 Memorial Drive NW
Together, we can ensure that the sacrifices of these fallen heroes are never forgotten. 🌺
Thank you for your continued support!
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Registered for two different shifts. It will be amazing to help on my first year as a Canadian citizen
Campbells school of highland dance for flag raise or lowering this year as we missed last year. We can also provide a dancer who has memorized Flanders Fields, They Shall Grow not old, and The Commitment to Remember, so what ever you need
I would love to help.
Can volunteers with disabilities help?
Good call out - I see all the spaces have been filled except for a few on the take down day. 👏
Very worthy cause.
Me too
Try canvassing all the schools in the city!
Shared 🙏🏻
𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐀𝐂𝐄 𝐖𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦
Age 15 years & 7 months – Boy RNCVR
Date of Death: 30/10/1918
William Wallace was born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
William joined the Royal Naval Canadian Volunteer Reserve (RNCVR) where training was provided by the British Royal Navy (RN). The RNCVR volunteer would serve either with the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) or the Royal Navy (RN) during wartime. William served on the HMCS Galiano, his service number was VR6193, and his rank was ‘Boy’.
The Galiano was sent to re-supply the lighthouse at Triangle Island at the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island. Weather reports indicated the Galiano only had a short window of time to reach and return before a violent storm came in from the north.
After supplying the lighthouse, she set out for home towards the Queen Charlotte Islands. At 0300 hours on the morning of 30 October 1918, amid heavy seas, she made her only distress call. HMCS Galiano was never heard from again and went down with the loss of all hands.
Boy William Wallace was lost at sea on 30 October 1918, at the age of 15 years and 7 months.
On Vancouver Island in Ross Bay Cemetery there is a separate plot, the Victoria Naval Memorial which consists simply of a square block of granite bearing the names of the 36 officers and men of the HMCS Galiano who were lost at sea.
Each November during the 11 Days of Remembrance, the Field of Crosses in Calgary, Alberta commemorates Boy William Wallace.
#FieldofCroses #Canada #Veterans #WeRemember #NeverForget #Youth #History #Calgary #YYC
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That’s some story. Thank you for the telling. Now I won’t forget him and the others.