Field of Crosses Sunset Ceremony - Night of Lights

The Sunset is at 16:54.

Today's Sunset Flag Lowering Ceremony celebrates the Night of Lights to pay tribute to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. The ceremony will see 3,500 lanterns lit and placed in front of each cross in the field, burning from sunset until sunrise on November 11, to symbolize a beacon of hope and warmth in the darkness as we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. This tradition originated in the Netherlands at Holten Cemetery in 1991 and has expanded to over 110 cemeteries across the Netherlands, honouring the sacrifices and achievements of Canadian military personnel in the liberation of Holland. The Field of Crosses began its own Night of Lights tradition in 2020 as a symbol of hope for peace in all nations.

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. Visitors are encouraged to stop in front of each cross that moves them to pay respect to that soldier by quietly calling their name out loud while holding their hand over their heart and expressing whatever sentiment they are feeling.

Susan Schalin (s.schalin@fieldofcrosses.com)

4032970555

www.fieldofcrosses.com