How to attend sunrise and sunset ceremonies at Calgary’s Field of Crosses amid COVID-19
Sunrise and sunset ceremonies at Calgary’s Field of Crosses Memorial Project will function differently this year due to COVID-19.
The ceremonies are held twice a day from Nov. 1 until Nov. 10.
Officials with the Field of Crosses say that while the public is still invited to visit the display at any time, only those who are specifically invited will be allowed access to a restricted area around the Cenotaph during the sunrise and sunset ceremonies, so as to maintain physical distancing in that area.
“With COVID-19 this year, we’re really, really trying to stick to the Alberta Health Services guidelines,” said Field of Crosses spokesperson Kent Griffiths. “So what we’re doing is, we’re restricting the attendance during our ceremonies.”
“You’re still free to walk through the crosses when the ceremonies are not taking place, or during the ceremonies — just not near the Cenotaph.”
The Field of Crosses, located on Memorial Drive between 3 Street N.W. and Centre Street, is an annual display of 3,500 white crosses, each representing a southern Alberta soldier killed in action.
It was first conceived by Calgary businessman Murray McCann after seeing a similar display in Menlo, Ga. McCann took the idea to his friend (and former head of the Calgary Poppy Fund) George Bittman and the project was born.
Now, the crosses serve as a visual reminder of those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
“I think why it’s so popular is because one day it’s an open field, and the next day you drive by and there’s a cemetery there — and it’s shocking,” Griffiths said. “It makes them wonder what it’s all about.”