The Field of Crosses Memorial project, initiated by the Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach in partnership with the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 76, will return for 2025. The display will be located on Memorial Avenue at the train tracks, across from the curling rink, from Nov. 3 to Nov. 11. This visual memorial honours the lives of 66 young soldiers of Qualicum Beach, Parksville and the Oceanside area who bravely gave their lives fighting for Canada, never returning home. A white cross with each soldier’s name, military decorations, age at death, rank, regiment or unit and date of death, adorned with a single poppy and a small Canadian flag will be erected for each soldier who is listed on the local cenotaphs. The Field of Crosses will officially open at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 3. The public are encouraged to attend. Everyone is welcome to visit the crosses during days leading up to Remembrance Day. On Nov. 10 at sunset (5:30 p.m.), candles will be lit at the base of each cross to further recognize the fallen. Members of the public are invited to participate in this emotional ceremony. The display will be taken down on Nov. 12. It is the goal of the Rotary Club of Qualicum Beach to include local students in a meaningful way in the Field of Crosses project. This year the Arrowsmith Elementary Grade 3/4 class will recite ‘In Flanders Fields’ as a part of the opening ceremonies on Nov. 3. Classes from local schools will be hosted by the Legion and Rotary to visit the Field of Crosses and complete school projects to explore the story of the soldiers represented. By gaining a better understanding of the sacrifices so many made we will continue to ensure that present and future generations understand the reasons for remembrance. In the past 100 years, nearly 2 million Canadians have served in the military. About 117,000 were killed or died in action. In World War I alone, 66,000 Canadians gave their life with almost 20,000 of those buried in unmarked graves overseas. The Qualicum Beach Field of Crosses is a tribute to 66 young soldiers who left from this area and did not return, their bodies are buried overseas. We strive to ensure that present and future Canadians do not forget those who gave their lives, providing us with the freedoms that we enjoy today.
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