A very different, smaller crowd gathered at the Field of Crosses Memorial Project Wednesday to mark Remembrance Day 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
There are no sunrise or sunset ceremonies at the site on Remembrance Day, and the 2020 Remembrance Day ceremony was held virtually. Typically, hundreds gather to pay their respects to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in honour of our country.
Wreaths were laid during the ceremony as the names of southern Alberta soldiers who died in battle were read aloud, photos of their faces held up by members of the Cantare Children’s Choir, who also sang.
The Sorrel Rider Drum Circle also performed as part of the ceremony, with Darcy Turning Robe telling Global News it was “very touching” to be among those honouring Canada’s fallen soldiers.
“We were named after my grandfather, a World War II veteran. Sorrel Rider was his Indian name,” he said.
“We were very proud, very emotional. I just finished shedding some tears over there.”
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Turning Robe said that when his grandfather was alive, he would accompany him to wreath-laying ceremonies on the Siksika First Nation.
The Field of Crosses was closed to the public from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday, and only those taking part in the ceremony were allowed in during that time.
When the Field of Crosses opens at 2 p.m., it will be limited to 100 people at any given time.
According to officials, Alberta Health Services asked people not to congregate off-site, and that onlookers not congregate along Memorial Drive opposite the Field of Crosses.
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