‘We enjoy life because of them:’ Over 3,600 crosses set up in return of Calgary’s Field of Crosses

Over 3,600 crosses have been set up in Calgary for people to pay their respects to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.

Volunteers with the Field of Crosses set up crosses on Memorial Drive, an annual tradition for over a decade.

Candice Benson, a volunteer at the setup, says the Field of Crosses puts things into perspective.

“All the freedoms we have and some sacrifices some grandparents have made and for our kids… great grandparents have made, and I think now with the older vets, we have fewer and fewer of them over the year, the stories get lost,” she told CityNews.

“I think this is a great way to remind ourselves and teach our youth how to pay tribute and honour those who gave their lives for us.”

For Diane Dallaire, it’s a very special day especially to remember her son along with fallen soldiers.

“For me, it’s a way to say thank you because we have the freedom we have today because of all the fallen soldiers,” she said.

“To me, it’s not just because my son is included in the crosses, it’s because of all the previous soldiers. We enjoy life because of them.”

Susan Schalin, the director of the Field of Crosses, says the number of crosses on display has also increased over the years.

“We have over 3,620 crosses. We started off with 200 crosses, the next year we had 400. And it’s just grown and grown,” she said.

In addition to the Field of Crosses display, sunrise and sunset ceremonies will also be held daily.

Calgarians are encouraged to stop in front of each cross that moves them and say the soldier’s name out loud while holding their hand over their heart to express a sentiment.

The crosses will be displayed from Nov. 1-11 in honour of Remembrance Day.

More information on the Field of Crosses can be found online.