Categories: Things To Do

There’s a field of over 3,000 crosses in Calgary and here’s why

Photo via Field of Crosses Memorial Project

Each November in Calgary, 3,700 crosses can be seen along Memorial Drive. It’s a tradition that’s been going on annually since 2009, one that pays tribute to the Southern Albertans who made the ultimate sacrifice defending Canada’s freedom.

The Field of Crosses was established by Murray McCann, a Calgary businessman and philanthropist. Today, it’s a living 5-acre memorial, illuminated 24/7 from Nov. 1 to 11.

On Remembrance Day, the Field of Crosses will also be the site of a televised ceremony that’s open to the public.

Until then, sunrise and sunset ceremonies are held daily, honouring veterans and their service with a unique area of focus.

Calgarians are also encouraged to walk among the crosses 24/7. As they are illuminated throughout the night, you’ll see them glowing on Sunnyside Bank Park between Centre Street North and 3rd Street NW.

Honouring Southern Albertans

The inspiration for the Field of Crosses came from Calgary businessman and philanthropist Murray McCann. In 2009, he contacted a long-time friend, George Bittman, head of the Calgary Poppy Fund, who joined him in establishing the project.

McCann realized the freedom he experienced was the result of thousands of Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice, giving their lives in war to ensure lasting peace for generations to come.

The Field of Crosses was a private memorial funded by McCann for a decade, but was gifted to the public as a registered charity in 2019.

The annual erection of crosses will help ensure that in 100 years, citizens will still remember the sacrifices made by those who came before them.

Pay tribute

The crosses are illuminated all day and night until Nov. 12, and visitors are encouraged to walk among them and pay their respects to fallen soldiers.

During the Night of Lights on Nov. 10, lanterns are placed in front of each cross and burn from sunset until sunrise on Remembrance Day.

There are also a series of specific ceremonies that you can attend to pay tribute in the days leading up to Nov. 11.

Calgarians are encouraged to engage with sunrise and sunset tributes honouring the troops, which include a moving flag raising ceremony with school choirs, military, buglers and pipers.

In total, the memorial is over five acres. A separate part of the park is also set aside with 120 unique crosses that honour the memory of the 120,000 heroes from across Canada who lost their lives fighting for our nation.

If you’ve seen the Field of Crosses while driving down Memorial Drive this November, it might be time to pay it a mindful visit. Lest we forget.