Sunrise and sunset Remembrance ceremonies begin at Calgary's Field of Crosses

The first of 20 ceremonies leading up to Remembrance Day at the Field of Crosses in Calgary was held at sunrise Saturday, against the backdrop of rows of crosses honouring southern Albertans who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of their country.

This year, more than 3,700 white crosses have been erected along Memorial Drive N.W., each featuring the name of a man or woman from the province who died in the line of military duty.

The twice-daily ceremonies, at sunrise and sunset, feature readings, a moment of remembrance and the sounding of The Last Post. At dawn a Canadian flag is raised, then it is lowered at dusk.

This is the 16th year of the Field of Crosses project, which was founded by Calgary businessman and philanthropist Murray McCann.

Master of ceremonies Maj. (Ret'd) Kent Griffiths says thousands of volunteers dedicate their time year-round to the project.

"Some show up once for half a day, some show up every single day, twice a day, and all day long for the events," said Griffiths.

He adds volunteers will also carry out the careful work of cleaning, storing and maintaining the crosses for next year's ceremonies.

Youth was the theme of the first day of ceremonies, encapsulating both the young age of some of the fallen, and the need to pass down knowledge of Canada's military history to younger generations.

"If we can educate the youth to understand why we have our freedoms we have right now and the standard of living and the great country that we have, then they can share that and they can remember why we are what we are," said Griffiths.

Students who visit the Field of Crosses are given a commemorative card with the name and photo of one of the men or women who lost their life.

Bart Peake, a military researcher and volunteer with the Field of Crosses Project, conducts research on the backgrounds of the members, who served in the army, navy and air force, as well as merchant marines and nursing Sisters, to include on the cards.

"They were military people, and many of them did not come home," said Peake. "This is their homecoming."

Visitors do not have to attend one of the ceremonies to pay their respects.

"We invite the public to come down at any given time," said Peake. "Come and walk through, read the names, read the stories that are on their crosses as well."