Field of Crosses Sunrise Ceremony - Memorial Cross Families Day

Sunrise is at 7:33am

Today's Sunrise flag raising Ceremony is dedicated to recognizing the families of Canada’s fallen military personnel who have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country. The Memorial Cross, also known as the Silver Cross for Mothers, has been awarded to the mother, widow, widower or next-of-kin of any member of the Canadian Armed Forces who loses their life in active service since 1919. Today the Field of Crosses also honours a significant number of fallen service personnel from the Afghanistan War with a simple white cross, remembering their sacrifices by reading each individual’s name. Many of their families join to pay tribute to their loved ones.

Participants and invited guests:

School Choirs to participate in the sunrise ceremonies to sing the National and Royal Anthems. Buglers, mostly cadets and young adults, to play the Last Post. Pipers, mostly cadets, and also volunteer pipers from the piping community, to play the Lament after a minute of silence. Veterans, cadets, girl guides, boy scouts are a part of the sunrise ceremony in the raising of the flags. Uniformed members of the community, such as Calgary Fire Department, Calgary Police Services, EMS Alberta Sheriffs and Military Members, will participate. Other guests include Civic, Provincial, Federal Government officials, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Governor General of Canada, Consul Generals. Veterans, community leaders and members of the public.  

After the ceremony, members of the public are welcome to walk amongst the crosses all day long.

Susan Schalin (s.schalin@fieldofcrosses.com)

4032970555

www.fieldofcrosses.com