New generation takes up Field of Crosses preparation ahead of Remembrance Day – Calgary

A new group of volunteers is taking up the torch when it comes to setting up the Field of Crosses tribute along Calgary’s Memorial Drive.

For more than a decade, a dedicated group of veterans has been doing the grueling work of marking and drilling bases into the ground for each crossing.

“It’s not easy,” admits John Sereda with the Ypres 3 CAV motorcycle unit. “When we first started there were about 500 crossings, but that was 15 years ago and since then it has grown to over 3,600 bases.”

The crosses are displayed annually in November to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice while in service.

The moving tribute is a labor of love for dozens of Canadian Armed Forces Veterans (CAV) who have given their time over the years.

“Our CAV unit just grabbed it and it was our baby,” Sereda said. “Calgary is great for volunteers and we had fantastic volunteers to help us.”

However, Sereda admits that even with help from volunteers, the growing number of crossings and the work involved in marking and drilling the bases into the ground is putting a strain on the aging veterans.

“It’s cruel and the average age of the CAV members who do it is around 60 plus years,” explained Sereda. “This field we’re on is an old car lot and we have to drill holes through the concrete.”

“No matter how many years we do this, we can’t seem to find the old holes.”

Fortunately for the veterans, reinforcements have arrived in the form of dozens of Calgary Police Service (CPS) members who have been mentored by the veterans over the past few years and have now taken on the task of erecting the crosses.

“They’re great to work with,” CPS Sgt. Jordan Nolan said. “They are a fantastic group who are really committed and committed to this cause.”

Nolan said he began volunteering at the Field of Crosses several years ago to honor those he served with overseas in Afghanistan. He said it was difficult for him to visit the tribute at first.

“It was very emotional for me to come here because I have some friends on these crosses,” Nolan said. “But over time I realized it wasn’t about me; it’s about remembering them and the sacrifice they made.”

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Member of the Ypres 3 CAV motorcycle unit, Louise Walker, who also works with the Field of Crosses, believes it is crucial that the veterans’ knowledge is passed on to the next generation.

“It’s hard for us to let go a little bit,” Walker said. “But also knowing that we have a great group that’s going to take it on and take it into the future is very important to all of us.”

Nolan said the CPS volunteers have already received an important bit of advice from their mentors when setting up the crossings this year.

“The first lines have to be straight, otherwise the rest of the field goes crooked,” he said with a smile. “So it takes some work.”

Sereda said the veterans’ motorcycle unit will continue to volunteer in the field of crosses in some capacity, but he is satisfied that the project is being left in good hands.

“It’s been a great 15 years doing it … But we’re going to leave all the hard work to the younger guys.”

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