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...
ππππππ€πππ©ππ«π¬ πππ«π€
Since 1948, Canada has provided Peacekeeping soldiers for service around the world to support the United Nations in its efforts to help bring peace to troubled lands.
Canadians have served on dozens of Peace Support Operations including Peace Enforcement, Peacekeeping, Peacemaking, Humanitarian and Reconstruction operations, as well as Observer Missions in countries and disputed territories around the world, including Korea, the Congo, Cyprus, Bosnia, Croatia, the Gaza Strip, the Golan Heights, Haiti, the Central African Republic, Vietnam, Rwanda, and many others. During these many missions, 323 Canadian military and External Affairs personnel have given their lives in the service of international peace, including 158 of our bravest during the Afghanistan Intervention.
On the 9th of August 1974, during the United Nations Emergency Force Middle East (UNEFME) peace support mission in Egypt, while on a routine mission to Damascus the Canadian Buffalo aircraft # C115461 was accidentally shot down by Syrian Armed Forces, killing all 9 Canadian military personnel on board (The Buffalo Nine).
The Canadian Parliament passed Bill C-287, βAn Act Respecting a National Peacekeepersβ Dayβ in 2008; each year on or about the 9th of August, we remember those who have fallen in the service of peace, give thanks to those families and friends who supported our peacekeepers and honour those who have been decorated for bravery and sacrifice. The Calgary Chapter of CAVUNP holds a Commemorative Ceremony on the Sunday closest to August 9th, during which we also solemnly honour the Memorial Cross Families of those fallen Peacekeepers whose names will forever be engraved upon the Wall of Honour at Calgaryβs Peacekeeper and Buffalo Parks.
www.fieldofcrosses.com/
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
π
πππππ πππ¨π«π π π
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/
11 CommentsComment on Facebook
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.
14 CommentsComment on Facebook
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.
38 CommentsComment on Facebook
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.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook