Field of Crosses along Memorial Drive pays tribute to those who fought for our freedom
Approximately 3,000 white crosses along Memorial Drive line up row by row symbolizes and pays tribute to the fallen soldiers of southern Alberta. Local businessman Murray McCann and late George Bittman, headed the Calgary Poppy Fund and turned this dream into a reality in 2009. The Field of Crosses is a memorial project funded by the McCann Family Foundation that runs every year in remembrance of those who once stood for our country. Thousands of crosses and daily flag ceremonies were displayed from Nov. 1 to Nov. 12. Laura Vanderkruk, daughter of George Bittman and director for the organization, is carrying on a family tradition and said: “It’s really about the people whose names are on the crosses. It’s incredible to be a part of this.”
Photographed by Ashely Alcantara
Published on November 26, 2013
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Many soldiers lost their lives in the battlefields and were never identified. Crosses like this one remembered those unknown soldiers.
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A remembrance of fallen soldier John F. Allan, who died on Oct. 16, 1942 at age 26.
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Each white cross has a red poppy, which is a symbol that has a long association with Remembrance Day and the sacrifices made by our veterans.
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The public was invited to come to their daily ceremonies to walk among the crosses or be a part of the rising and lowering of the flags, which were done at sunrise and sunset.
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2137 Calgary Highlanders Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, who are a part of the greater Canadian Cadet Movement, wore their uniforms proudly.
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Laura Vanderkruk has been part of the organization for two years and carries on her father’s tradition.
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2137 Calgary Highlanders Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps lowered the many flags at the sunset ceremony.
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Bugler Ken Laing at the lowering of the flags ceremony.
Many soldiers lost their lives in the battlefields and were never identified. Crosses like this one remembered those unknown soldiers.
A remembrance of fallen soldier John F. Allan, who died on Oct. 16, 1942 at age 26.
Each white cross has a red poppy, which is a symbol that has a long association with Remembrance Day and the sacrifices made by our veterans.
The public was invited to come to their daily ceremonies to walk among the crosses or be a part of the rising and lowering of the flags, which were done at sunrise and sunset.
2137 Calgary Highlanders Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps, who are a part of the greater Canadian Cadet Movement, wore their uniforms proudly.
Laura Vanderkruk has been part of the organization for two years and carries on her father’s tradition.
2137 Calgary Highlanders Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps lowered the many flags at the sunset ceremony.
Bugler Ken Laing at the lowering of the flags ceremony.
