This Thursday we remember the generations of Canadians who lost their lives to protect human rights and foster freedom and peace around the world.
Marking the end of hostilities of the First World War, November 11 is when we pay homage to everyone that has served and continues to do so. To honour that courage and sacrifice, here are some ways for Calgarians to pay respect, both online and in person.
Field of Crosses
The Canadian Army Veterans Ypres 3 CAV and hundreds of dedicated volunteers have helped transform Calgary’s Memorial Drive into a field of over 3,500 crosses that represent the soldiers from Southern Alberta that sacrificed their lives and futures for the country, plus other 120 unique crosses set aside for the 120,000 heroes from all over Canada.
On Nov. 11, a virtual ceremony will be held and broadcast live by Global Calgary on the Field of Crosses Memorial Park starting 10:30 a.m.
The park will open at 2 p.m. to the general public.
The Military Museums
The Military Museums will host a public ceremony on Remembrance Day, attendees must provide proof of vaccination or negative COVID-19 test.
VIPs and Guests of Honour arrive at 10:00 a.m. The ceremony begins at 10:57 a.m. with the performance of the Last Post, lowering flags, followed by two minutes of silence at 11:00 a.m.
For those that can’t make it in person, there will also be a livestream event at 10:20 a.m. in the museum’s Facebook page.
The Military Museums will be open to the public after the service from noon to 6:00 p.m. Entrance is by donation, no food bank donations accepted due to COVID. Visitors are encouraged to lay a wreath at the Eternal Flame monument, preferably with real poppies.
Union Cemetery Guided Tour
Volunteers will be offering guided tours in Calgary’s historic Union Cemetery to learn about and appreciate the ones who fought in World War I and World War II, as well as to take in the rich military history of Calgary.
Walk through the graves of the people that shaped the city, hear their stories and get to know them.
The tours will be happening from 2:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m. Guests are asked to meet at the Galloway House in the Union Cemetery. You can sign up for one here.
The Hangar Flight Museum
In memory of all who served, The Hangar Flight Museum, along with Eagle Copters, will live broadcast and livestream with CTV a Remembrance Day service. Happening in the helicopter landing area behind it, which used to be a parade square in WWII as part of the British Commonwealth Air Training Plan, the event starts at 10:30 a.m.
The museum will then open for in-person visitors from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is by donation and must be purchased online.
Canadian Pacific Remembrance Day Ceremony
In tribute to vetereans, including over 33,000 of its employees, Canadian Pacific (CP) will conduct its annual Remembrance Day ceremony virtually at 10:45 a.m.
The event will be streamed live from CP’s Memorial Square through their website.
As it’s tradition, every CP locomotive will sound its whistle at 11:01 a.m., followed by a moment of silence.
CP will also lower the flags on its Canadian properties to half-mast as a form of paying respect to all veterans.
National Remembrance Day Ceremony
Each year, the Royal Canadian Legion organizes Canada’s National Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa. Spectators will be back this year and the events will be broadcast on TV or streamed on the Legion’s Facebook page.
Lest we forget.