CALGARY- The task of erecting more than 3,000 crosses along Memorial Drive began on Saturday.
This year, 300 more crosses are being added. Each represents a fallen soldier from southern Alberta.
Given the events in Ottawa and Quebec, it’s expected more people than ever will stop by the powerful tribute, to reflect and pay their respects to all the soldiers who have been killed in the line of duty. That now includes Corporal Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent.
Both soldiers were killed this week in targeted attacks on Canadian soil.
“We are just so saddened for the families of those soldiers and the great loss,” says Murray McCann, president of the McCann Family Foundation and founder of the Field of Crosses project. “It shows what heroes our soldiers are.”
At this time, it is unclear if members of the military will abstain from wearing their uniforms when visiting the crosses. In light of this week’s events, some members have been discouraged from wearing them in public places when they are not on duty.
Organizers say they plan to lay wreaths for the two soldiers who lost their lives this week.
The Field of Crosses runs at the same time as the Canadian Legacy Projects veteran food drive and the Calgary Poppy Campaign.
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