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...
🇨🇦 November 7 | Youth Day
Today, The Field of Crosses commemorates Youth Day, honouring the remarkable contributions and sacrifices of young Canadians who played important roles in supporting our nation's military efforts, both at home and overseas.
Throughout Canada's wartime history, countless young people demonstrated extraordinary courage and determination. During the First and Second World Wars, teenage boys, some as young as 13, attempted to enlist by lying about their age. Those who appeared old enough were sometimes accepted into military service, while others who were turned away found ways to contribute through the Merchant Navy, helping transport troops and essential supplies overseas.
Many young Canadians also stepped forward on the home front, taking on important responsibilities and filling the roles left behind by those who had departed for military service.
Today, we remember the young men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice, including those whose names are commemorated among the thousands of white crosses standing along Memorial Drive.
Youth Day also serves as an important reminder of our responsibility to educate future generations about Canada's military history and the sacrifices made for the freedoms we enjoy today. By sharing these stories, we help preserve their legacy while inspiring young Canadians to help shape a brighter future.
🌅 Sunrise Ceremony: 8:39 AM
🌇 Sunset Ceremony: 5:59 PM
Those planning to attend are kindly asked to arrive at least 10 minutes before each ceremony begins.
Lest We Forget. 🇨🇦
www.fieldofcrosses.com/
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Classroom at the Field of Crosses – Learning, Remembrance & Gratitude
The Classroom at the Field of Crosses program offers students a meaningful, hands-on learning experience. Through guided tours of the Field of Crosses and classroom presentations, students explore military history, hear stories of service and remembrance, and have the opportunity to view and handle military artifacts.
A huge shout-out to Bart Peake and his fabulous volunteer tour guides Alan Duguid, Andries Flierjans, Darren Walker, David Burgess, Doug Brown, Jean-Yves Lalande, Ken Ruller, Mark Taylor, Michael Wear & Nick Gillen, who have been out at the Field of Crosses throughout the mornings, afternoons and evenings since October 26!
Since then, they have welcomed and toured junior and senior high school students, Cadets, Girl Guides, Ventures and Scouts, sharing the stories and history of the fallen servicemen and women honoured in the Field of Crosses.
And there's more! More than 3,500 cups of hot chocolate have been enjoyed by students along the way!
We also want to recognize and thank the 40+ incredible volunteers who have helped pick up, deliver and serve thousands of cups of hot chocolate. Their generosity and dedication have helped make the experience even more special for students as they take a break between classroom sessions, artifact presentations and tours of the field.
The impact of this program is best summed up in these wonderful words from Natasha Sayer, Music Teacher and Learning Leader at Wildwood School:
"Thank you for being so gracious and for the tours, hot chocolate and presentation which were the silver linings to the day. Our students learned a lot. The Field of Crosses is incredible. Thank you for all you do!"
This is what community, education and remembrance are all about.
To Bart, all our tour guides and every volunteer who has contributed their time and energy — THANK YOU! Your efforts are making a lasting impression on the next generation and ensuring the stories of those who served and sacrificed are never forgotten.
❤️ Lest We Forget. ❤️
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🇨🇦 November 6 | First Responders and Animals in War Day
Tomorrow, The Field of Crosses commemorates First Responders and Animals in War Day, paying special tribute to the brave men and women who left their civilian roles as police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel to serve in Canada's military, as well as the animals who played important roles alongside our troops during times of war.
Throughout our nation's military history, first responders have answered the call to serve both at home and overseas, demonstrating extraordinary courage, dedication and a willingness to put the lives of others before their own.
Among those honoured at The Field of Crosses are seven members of the Calgary Police Service, six who lost their lives during the First World War and one during the Second World War, along with four members of the Calgary Fire Department who made the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War.
We also remember Corporal Michael Starker, a member of Calgary Emergency Medical Services, who lost his life while serving in Afghanistan. His sacrifice stands as a lasting reminder of the courage and commitment of those who dedicate their lives to protecting and serving others.
On this day, we also recognize the countless animals who served alongside military personnel, including horses, dogs and carrier pigeons, whose contributions during wartime provided vital support and saved lives.
🌅 Sunrise Ceremony: 8:37 AM
🌇 Sunset Ceremony: 6:02 PM
Those planning to attend are kindly asked to arrive at least 10 minutes before each ceremony begins.
As we continue our Eleven Days of Remembrance, we invite the community to join us in honouring these remarkable individuals and animals, remembering their service, courage and sacrifices.
www.fieldofcrosses.com/
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