Ever-growing Field of Crosses takes root once again for remembrance

A world increasingly at war is sadly one reason for the growing awareness and admiration for the annual Field of Crosses, says its executive director.

“People are becoming more aware of us over the years, once they see it, it makes them stop and think,” said Susan Schalin.

“But there’s also more conflict in the world, more war and more appreciation of the freedoms we have in Canada.”

On Saturday, a very active public outpouring of support for the annual display paying tribute to southern Albertans’ military sacrifices was in clear evidence.

Police and military cadets had descended on the more than 3,700 white crosses dotting the lawn along Memorial Drive west of Centre Street to affix poppies to each of them.

Military veterans were busy securing the crosses into the grass while other volunteers hauled the last of the markers to the place that’s been home to the Field of Crosses for 18 years.

Each includes the name of a soldier and the date they fell, some of them bearing their picture.

Volunteers began cleaning the crosses last month, said Schalin.

“We work all year getting this ready,” she said.

“The support of the community, of so many groups, is just amazing every year,” said Schalin

It’s a solemn labour of love that grows virtually every year to honour southern Albertans who gave their lives for the country since the early 20th century.

This year, six more crosses have been added to the field while last year, the number of new names grew by 65, said organizers. The first year of the display contained just 378 crosses, say organizers.

Most of those names are put forward by family members, with the recommendations undergoing research before being added to the rows of crosses.

Schalin noted none of the four soldiers killed last weekend by a grassfire at CFB Wainwright hailed from southern Alberta so won’t be among them.

“But we will mention them and acknowledge them, their names will be spoken (at remembrance ceremonies),” she said.

Other changes to the Field of Crosses this year include a larger parade square that will improve its Remembrance Day ceremony and the inclusion of the unknown soldier cross among 120 other crosses denoting the country’s 120,000 war dead, said Schalin.

Complementing the display is a medallion placed in a walkway traversing the field and signage marking the new 5-km-long Veterans’ Walkway along Memorial Drive that brings together Calgarians’ wartime stories.

“We’re delighted to have the medallion here,” said Schalin.

But Schalin admits she’s disappointed hundreds of thousands of Albertans voted for a pathway to separate from Canada in the lead-up to Remembrance Day.

“(Separatist sentiment) is very disappointing — we just got to meet with families of the fallen who’ve lost their loved ones in Afghanistan, who fought for others’ freedom and for their country,” said Schalin.

But those feelings are mitigated by the large numbers of people who help with the project and flock to view it, she said.

Military reservist veteran Robert Bagley was helping reinforce some of the crosses Saturday and said he was heartened by the youthfulness of the turnout.

“It’s the first time I’ve seen so many kids here,” said Bagley, who served with the 5th Field Battery in Victoria and with the King’s Own Calgary Regiment.

What combat veterans endured deserves the appreciation shown on the field along Memorial Drive, he said.

The president of Valour Canada, which educates youth about Canada’s military history, agreed.

“It’s really about educating,” said John Q. Adams, whose father served as a soldier in the country’s armoured corps.

Members of Calgary-based 41st Canadian Brigade Group had just helped set up a camouflage-netted army tent on Saturday to house military artifacts Valour Canada will display just west of the Field of Crosses.

“People can touch the items and wear them … we’re hoping to attract a few thousand people,” said Adams.

That display opens Monday.

X: @BillKaufmannjrn