Calgary students join sunrise ceremony honouring 80th anniversary of V-E Day
Posted Nov 6, 2025 3:45 pm.
In a moving tribute to the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (V-E) Day, Calgary’s Field of Crosses hosted a sunrise ceremony Thursday morning, spotlighting remembrance and intergenerational connection.
The event honoured Canadian soldiers who helped liberate the Netherlands from German occupation during World War II, with a special performance by the Wildwood Elementary School choir.
The ceremony began at dawn, with the choir echoing across the field of white crosses.
Their presence was more than musical. Retired Major Kent Griffiths, who served as master of ceremonies, emphasized the importance of involving youth in remembrance.
“The more we can immerse them in our military history, and why,” he said. “Not glorifying war, but why we had to fight those wars and the terrible cost of that.”
Catriona Le May Doan, Honourary Consul for the Netherlands, spoke about the enduring bond between Canada and the Netherlands.
“What’s wonderful is we continue to talk about the history, and we continue to teach, not just kids, but everybody about that relationship, and about the importance of allies,” she said.
Sean Libin, Chairman of the Field of Crosses, acknowledged the challenge of helping children grasp the gravity of war and sacrifice.
“I’m not sure they fully understand that at a young age what it means to sacrifice your life for the greater good,” he said. “But they know that people did something important, and as they continue to come back they’ll get it more and more and more.”
Libin also highlighted the daily rituals that reinforce remembrance.
“Each day our youth read the act of remembrance, and the youth response to remembrance. And they pledge that they won’t forget,” he said. “And that’s really what it’s all about—we’ve gotta make sure that none of us ever forget.”
