Field of Crosses

The annual Canadian Legacy Project’s “Field of Crosses” runs from November 1 – 11 where over 3,400 white crosses are displayed along Memorial Drive.

Each cross is inscribed with the name, age at death, rank, regiment and date of death of a Southern Alberta soldier killed in action. The Field of Crosses event also recognizes soldiers who enlisted in Alberta – but may not have been born or lived in Alberta.

At sunrise each morning from November 1 to November 11 there is a flag raising ceremony at the Field of Crosses including a local school singing the national anthem, a bugler and a piper. With each ceremony there are National, Provincial and local dignitaries on hand to lend their support towards the project and to honor those who lost their lives defending our freedoms. Students and VIP guest are then hosted at the Kensington Legions Tap and Table for a breakfast after the sunrise ceremony. This event is a chance for our future leaders to learn from our Canadian Veterans and is presented by the McCann Family Foundation.

At sunset each evening from November 1 to November 11 the flags are lowered. With each ceremony there will be National, Provincial and local dignitaries on hand to lend their support towards the project and to honor those who lost their lives defending our freedoms.

Each year the Field of Crosses project recognizes families who have lost loved ones in the various wars and peacekeeping missions. In 2017 the Field of Crosses will also pay tribute to the anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge.

The Field of Crosses project is an initiative of and financed by the McCann Family Foundation. The project started in 2009 as Murray McCann, of the McCann Family Foundation, and the late George Bittman, of the Calgary Poppy Fund, teamed together to present this tribute to our soldiers.

Annually the Field of Crosses is directed and managed by a volunteer board of directors spearhead by the McCann Family Foundation.

The Calgary Unit of the Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Units (Ypres 3rd CAV) directs and manages the set up and tear down of the crosses each year and have done so from the beginning.

Annually the Field of Crosses is fortunate to have the support of more than 300 volunteers who lend their support in making this annual tradition a Calgary mainstay.

The Field of Crosses project appreciates the amazing dedication and support of the City of Calgary. The City of Calgary plays an important role in assisting in the management of the Field of Crosses from the planning department for the park to the hundreds of Police, Fire and EMS members who show their support throughout the eleven day period.

Members of the public are welcome and encouraged to attend these ceremonies or to visit the site at any time, to walk among the crosses, to lay flowers at a loved one’s memorial and to be reminded that the price of the freedom we enjoy was not free.

Check out www.fieldofcrosses.com for more information.