The weekend of November 7-9, 2025, was a period of poignant reflection and vibrant activity in Calgary, as captured through the lenses of Postmedia photographers. The city saw a mix of solemn ceremonies honouring veterans and brave citizens, alongside the energetic start of the winter sports season in the nearby Rockies.
Honouring Service and Sacrifice
The days leading up to Remembrance Day were marked by several significant events across the city. On Friday, Second World War veteran George Morasch visited Rideau Park School for a memorial ceremony. With the help of Corporal Drew Elderkin, the veteran met with students, including Grade 6 pupil Evian Lien, who shared a heartfelt hug with him.
That same day, the Ahmadiyya Mosque in Calgary hosted a ceremony for National Indigenous Veterans Day. Faith leaders, officials, veterans, and service members gathered to honour Indigenous and other diverse service members. Speakers included Capt. Charan Kamal Singh Dullat of 15 Field Ambulance and George Carbert, director of the Veterans Association Food Bank.
The weekend's commemorations culminated on Sunday with the sunrise ceremony at the Field of Crosses. A colour guard raised flags, the Cantare Alumni choir sang 'O Canada,' and Catherine Glaser-Climie read 'The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak' by Archibald MacLeish. The November 9 ceremony specifically honoured women who served and Calgary Herald journalist Michelle Lang, who was killed in Afghanistan. Veteran Sean Libin was seen at the cross of Sgt. George Miok, who died alongside Lang, speaking with Calgary Herald editor-in-chief Monica Zurowski and Field of Crosses founders.
Celebrating Community Heroes and Hockey
Friday also featured the 9-1-1 Heroes Ceremony, where nine young Calgarians were honoured for their bravery and quick thinking during emergencies. One of the heroes, Preston Taylor, was photographed with Johnsie, a PADS assistance dog in training. The event also featured emergency dispatchers Nicole Prokop and Megan Johnston, who took a selfie with Echo the 9-1-1 Dog. The mascots Sparky the Fire Dog and Echo the 9-1-1 Dog were also seen interacting with the assistance dogs after the ceremony.
In the sports arena, the Calgary Flames faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Friday night. The game began with a Remembrance Day ceremony, with spectators standing in respect. The match was intensely physical, featuring fights between players like Joel Hanley and Nick Foligno, as well as MacKenzie Weegar and Alex Vlasic. Chicago's young star, Connor Bedard, managed to score on Flames goalie Dustin Wolf during the NHL action.
Embracing Arts and Winter's Arrival
As snow dusted the city, creating a scenic backdrop of white and red berries in Eau Claire, Calgarians also embraced cultural and recreational pursuits. On Saturday, auditions for Canada’s National Ballet School were held at Decidedly Jazz Danceworks. Ashleigh Powell, director of teacher training and community dance, led young hopefuls like Chenbing and Spencer through their paces for a chance to join the world-renowned Professional Ballet-Academic Program.
Meanwhile, the winter sports season officially kicked off with preview weekend at Nakiska, as well as at Banff’s Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Mount Norquay. Skiers and snowboarders eagerly took to the slopes, enjoying rides up the Gold Express chairlift and carving through the fresh snow, signalling the start of another exciting season in the Alberta Rockies.
