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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Age: 44 β Capt 442 TransSqn
Date of Death: 09/08/1974
George Garry Foster was born on June 13, 1930, in Calgary, Alberta, to Clifford and Marge Foster. He was the beloved husband of Jo Anne Foster and the devoted father of Jonathan and Anthony.
George enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force on March 4, 1955, and rose to the rank of Captain Pilot with 442 Transport and Rescue Squadron. During his distinguished military career, he was stationed in Ismailia, Egypt, where he served with the United Nations Emergency Force as a member of 116 Air Transportation Unit, supporting international peacekeeping operations.
On August 9, 1974, while flying a United Nations peacekeeping mission to Damascus, Syria, his
de Havilland Canada Buffalo aircraft (C-115461) was mistakenly shot down by Syrian air defense missiles. Captain Foster and the eight other Canadian servicemen aboard were killed in the line of duty.
The nine fallen Canadians, known as the Buffalo Nine, are commemorated on the Memorial Wall at Peacekeepers Park and at the Buffalo Park Memorial in Calgary, Alberta. Their sacrifice remains a lasting symbol of Canada's commitment to international peacekeeping.
In recognition of their service and the contributions of all Canadian peacekeepers, the Parliament of Canada proclaimed August 9 as National Peacekeepers' Day on June 18, 2008. Captain George Garry Foster's legacy continues to inspire generations of Canadians through his courage, dedication, and ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace.
Each November during the Eleven Days of Remembrance the Field of Crosses in Calgary commemorates Captain George G Foster.
www.fieldofcrosses.com/
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Today, we are honoured to share the stories of Kevin Dallaire and Bryce Keller, two fallen soldiers who served together and were tragically lost together in Afghanistan.
KELLER Bryce J. MMV SM
Age: 27 β Cpl PPCLI
Date of Death: 03/08/2006
Bryce Jeffery Keller was born on May 27, 1979, in Regina, Saskatchewan. He was the son of Mel and Helen Keller of Calgary, brother of Brad and Scott, and devoted husband of Corporal Sarah Keller.
Bryce joined the Canadian Army Reserve on January 27, 1997. He transferred to the Regular Force on August 18, 2003, and was posted to the 1st Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry.
On February 12, 2006, he deployed to Afghanistan with C Company, 1 PPCLI Battle Group, during Operation Archer. Known for his exemplary soldiering skills and strong work ethic, he was promoted to Corporal while on tour on April 21, 2006.
Corporal Bryce Keller was killed on August 3, 2006, during a rocket-propelled grenade attack by Taliban insurgents near Pashmul, southwest of Kandahar City. His platoon was supporting the Afghan National Police when it came under heavy attack. He was one of four Canadian soldiers killed, alongside Corporal Christopher Reid, Private Mark Graham, and Private Kevin Dallaire, only weeks before completing their six-month tour.
Corporal Keller was posthumously awarded the Medal of Military Valour. His citation recognized the courage and leadership he showed under intense enemy fire, allowing his comrades to aid a critically wounded soldier. His selfless actions helped save lives and enabled his platoon to hold vital terrain until reinforcements arrived. He was also posthumously awarded the Sacrifice Medal.
Corporal Bryce Keller was 27 years old. He is buried in the Field of Honour at Sherwood Parkβs Glenwood Memorial Gardens in Alberta.
Each November, during the Eleven Days of Remembrance in Calgary, the Field of Crosses commemorates Corporal Bryce Keller and Private Kevin Dallaire.
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DALLAIRE Kevin Y R SM
Age: 22 β Pte PPCLI
Date of Death: 03/08/2006
Kevin Yves Royal Dallaire was born in Calgary, Alberta, on September 23, 1983, and was raised in Cold Lake, Alberta. He was the son of Diane and Gaetan Dallaire, both members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and the brother of Private Mikael Dallaire.
Inspired by a family tradition of military service, Kevin enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces in Calgary in January 2003, shortly after graduating from high school. Throughout his service, he was known for his sharp wit, fearless sense of humor, and unwavering Warrior Spirit. His courage, loyalty, and ability to lift the spirits of those around him earned him the admiration and respect of everyone privileged to serve alongside him.
Private Kevin Dallaire was killed on August 3, 2006, during a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) attack by Taliban insurgents near the village of Pashmul, approximately 25 kilometers southwest of Kandahar City, Afghanistan. His platoon was supporting the Afghan National Police in clearing a suspected Taliban position when it came under heavy attack from a large force of Taliban fighters. Private Dallaire was one of four Canadian soldiers killed during the fierce battle, alongside Corporal Christopher Reid, Private Mark Graham, and Corporal Bryce Keller. They were only weeks away from completing his six-month tour and returning to Canada.
Private Dallaireβs Citation reads: "Pte Dallaire was deployed with 9 Platoon, C Company, 1 PPCLI Battle Group during Operation ARCHER. On August 3, 2006, during combat operations in the Pashmul region of Afghanistan, he exposed himself to great personal risk to provide cover fire for his section. Traversing an open field under enemy fire, Pte Dallaire directed his section to keep moving until it reached its destination safely while he provided cover fire. His actions reflect the highest standard of his regiment and the Canadian Forces." Sacrifice Medal (posthumous)
Private Kevin Dallaire was 22 years old at the time of his death. He is buried at the Ottawa (Beechwood) Cemetery, Ontario, Canada.
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The Royal Canadian Legion celebrated its 100th anniversary this month, on July 17, 2026. It was incorporated by an Act of Parliament on July 17, 1926, after veterans' organizations led by the Great War Veterans Association united to create a single national voice to support veterans, honour the fallen, and serve communities.
Following the First World War, many veterans returned home with injuries, trauma, and illness. The Legion built on the work of earlier veterans' organizations to provide advocacy, benefits, and support services that continue today.
The Remembrance Poppy, first adopted in Canada in 1921 and inspired by John McCrae's In Flanders Fields, remains the nation's enduring symbol of Remembrance. The Legion continues to lead the annual Poppy Campaign and protect the Poppy's legacy.
Today, The Royal Canadian Legion has more than 270,000 members in over 1,350 branches across Canada, continuing its century-long commitment to veterans, military members, RCMP and peace officers, their families, and communities.
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As the Calgary Stampede comes to an end for another year, we share the story of Rifleman Joe Poucette, a young man from the Stoney Nakoda Reserve in Morley, Alberta, whose final letter home carried both the weight of war and the familiar pull of home.
Even while serving overseas, Joe thought of the Stampede, the friends and community he missed, and the life he had left behind to do what he believed was right. His words are a powerful reminder that behind every name at the Field of Crosses is a life, a family, a home, and a story that deserves to be remembered.
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Age: 20 β Rfn RWR
Date of Death: 15/08/1944
Joe Poucette was born April 28, 1924, on the Stoney Nakoda Reserve in Morley, Alberta, he was the son of Peter and Jannie Poucette and brother to Noah. During his childhood, Joe fostered many interests and exhibited a fondness for sports including baseball, hockey, racing and football. He was also a keen outdoorsman with sharp hunting skills; he worked as a farmer and a trapper.
Joe enlisted on October 15, 1943, in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 19. He requested a position with an infantry unit and was assigned to the Royal Winnipeg Rifles. Joe enlisted in secret and made sure his paperwork was complete before he told his family. Prior to Joe leaving to join his unit, the community held a pow-pow to honour him and they gave him a traditional name and a ceremonial song.
In his last letter home he wrote, β β¦ I thought I missed the Calgary Stampede, but afterward I knew that I am doing the right job. β¦I would like to hear if any of the boys won anything at the Stampede. I am sure they all got a mouthful of dirt anyway.β
Joe was killed in action on 15 August 1944 in Normandy, France, during the Victory of Falaise. Rifleman Joe Poucette is buried at Bretteville-sur-Laize Canadian Cemetery in Calvados, France.
Each November during the 11 days of Remembrance the Field of Crosses in Calgary, Alberta commemorates Private Joe Poucette.
www.fieldofcrosses.com/
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