Volunteers gathered along Memorial Drive in northwest Calgary on Saturday to prepare the city’s annual Field of Crosses tribute, placing more than 3,700 crosses in honour of those who died serving their country.
Now in its 18th year, the memorial recognizes the sacrifices of thousands of Southern Albertans who gave their lives to protect freedom. More than 150 volunteers took part in setting up the display, carefully installing each cross alongside a biographical card, a poppy and stars of David.
This year, six additional crosses were included after organizers received information from families about individuals whose stories had not previously been represented in the memorial.
Executive director Susan Schalin said Memorial Drive provides a meaningful setting for the tribute because of its longstanding connection to remembrance.
“It’s a very visible area, and that’s what Memorial Drive was meant to be in the very beginning, with so many spots along the way of remembrance,” Schalin said.
Organizers have also made a change to this year’s layout, relocating the cross representing the unknown soldier to create more room for the parade square.
The expanded space will accommodate the city’s Remembrance Day service on November 11.
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