The phrase ‘Lest We Forget' will soon take on an added meaning for Islanders thanks to a project announced today.
Premier Pat Binns announced today in the Provincial Legislature details of the Veterans Memorial Highway, an initiative announced in this fall's Throne Speech, to commemorate the contribution of Island servicemen and servicewomen to the ongoing defence of freedom.
"Islanders have a long and proud tradition of answering duty's call in times of peace and conflict. Now, more than ever, it's important that we honour both the accomplishment and cost of that commitment made by generations of Islanders. This represents a small token of our gratitude for that continued effort," said Premier Binns in announcing the measure.
Following consultations with the Island veterans community, the Department of Transportation and Public Works will designate Route 2 as the Veterans Memorial Highway. This will make Prince Edward Island the fourth province to make such a designation joining Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
"Spanning 216 kilometres from Tignish to Souris, Route 2 is one of the main collector roads in the provincial road network. The Veterans Memorial Highway initiative will complement nicely our department's recently expanded Highway Naturalization and Enhancement Program which partners with interested communities and groups to improve the natural environment around our road sides and rights-of-way," said Transportation and Public Works Minister Don MacKinnon.