City council voted in support of the Kosovo Unit (Airdrie) Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit’s proposal to erect crosses in memory of the fallen soldiers in Airdrie and the surrounding area.
The crosses would be erected on the north side of Veterans Boulevard, just east of the railway crossing from the beginning of November until Remembrance Day. Fifteen crosses will bare the names and particulars of each solider.
“I believe it would be very appropriate to honour the fallen heroes who so selflessly made the supreme sacrifice to preserve our country and our freedom,” said Norman McRae, secretary and treasurer Kosovo Unit (Airdrie) Canadian Army Veterans Motorcycle Unit.
For the past two years, the Calgary Poppy Fund has donated about 1,500 crosses along Memorial Drive, just west of Centre Street. The goal of the Calgary “cemetery” is to erect 3,000 crosses, one for every Calgarian who has made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
The Calgary Poppy Fund would provide the crosses for the project in Airdrie. Volunteers would put up the crosses.
The crosses honour those lost in First World War, Second World War, Korea, Bosnia, Afghanistan and other peacemaking and military actions.
“When I was involved with the project in Calgary, I was very moved,” said McRae.
“The crosses made these soldiers’ families feel like the people they lost are back. Their bodies may be overseas but their spirits are here.”
Alderman Allan Hunter said he wants to make sure the project goes forward.
“This is the least we can do for the fallen,” he said.
“We need to let them know we care.”
He also volunteered to donate a flagpole in the area to enhance the field of honour.
“These people gave us the freedom to have a City council, parliament and have a voice in government,” said McRae.
“I think we should honour them and I think this is a great way of doing it. I believe the impression on the general public would be significant.”
Mayor Peter Brown said he is looking forward to the display.
