It’s a stirring reminder of the sacrifices made by Canadian soldiers, and for the 11th year running row upon row of white crosses are being installed along Memorial Drive just in time for Remembrance Day.
Hundreds of volunteers began placing some 3,400 of the ivory tributes at the Field of Crosses in the shadow of the Centre Street Bridge Saturday, each cross representing Canadian soldiers who died in conflict.
This year, 120 new crosses will be added as part of a new installation dubbed Canada120, honouring over 120,000 Canadian soldiers, with each cross representing 1,000 who perished.
“This is the 11th year for the FieldofCrosses and our first as a non-profit which makes it feel very special,” said Tom Leppard, executive director of the FieldofCrosses Society.
“We know Calgary will continue to support the FieldofCrosses and help it flourish for years to come.”
The crosses will be installed Saturday and Sunday and will be available for viewing up until Remembrance Day.
Starting Friday, and running every day until Nov. 11, sunrise and sunset ceremonies will be held in honour of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Last year, the traditional Remembrance Day ceremony at the site saw some 5,000 people attend.
Crosses can be adopted for $250, or $120 for a Canada120 cross, with proceeds going to continue the legacy of the Field of Crosses.