Field of Crosses Sunset Ceremony - Honouring Jewish Fallen

Sunset is at 16:55.

Today's Sunset Flag Lowering Ceremony will honour the 23 Jewish fallen military personnel who are commemorated with Stars of David within the Field of Crosses. November 9 – 10, 1938 is remembered as Kristallnacht or The Night of Broken Glass. The Night of Broken Glass recognizes the night when the Nazi regime coordinated a wave of antisemitic violence in Nazi Germany. The name refers to the litter of broken glass left in the streets after the vandalism and destruction of Jewish-owned businesses, synagogues and homes. The violence continued during the next day of November 10, and in some places acts of violence continued for several more days. Jewish Canadians would take part in operations in all major events of the Second World War, but many joined the Airforce and were part of Bomber Command. Operating from bases in eastern England, aircrews would fly on perilous bombing raids over Germany and occupied Europe. The harsh odds of survival made it one of the most dangerous roles a service personnel could have during the war. A sobering 42 per cent of those who served in Bomber Command did not survive their tour of duty.

Participants and invited guests:

Each evening cadets, scouts, guides, etc. are invited and scheduled to perform the flag lowering detail. The sunset ceremonies also include choirs, buglers, pipers, flag detail, uniformed members of the community, including Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police Services, EMS, Alberta Sheriffs and Military Members. Invited guests include civic, provincial, federal government officials, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Governor General of Canada, Consul Generals, uniformed members of the community, Veterans, community leaders and members of the public.

After the ceremony, members of the public are welcome to walk amongst the crosses all night long and into the morning dawn.

Susan Schalin (s.schalin@fieldofcrosses.com)

4032970555

www.fieldofcrosses.com