The phrase ‘Lest We Forget' will soon take on an added meaning for Islanders thanks to an initiative launched today. Premier Pat Binns joined today with Transportation and Public Works Minister Don MacKinnon and representatives of the Island veterans community to officially designate Route 2 as the Veterans Memorial Highway in order 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 Veterans Memorial Highway Project.
Spanning 216 kilometres from Tignish to Souris, Route 2 is one of the main collector roads on Prince Edward Island, linking communities which share the common bond of having sent generations of sons and daughters away to serve in the armed forces. Signage to that effect was unveiled today.
"On behalf of the Department of Transportation and Public Works, it was certainly a pleasure to work with the veterans community to develop this project. Designating Route 2 as the Veterans Memorial Highway is a fitting tribute to the dedication of all those who have selflessly served in uniform during times of peace and conflict," said MacKinnon.
Prince Edward Island now becomes the fourth province to designate a Veterans Memorial Highway, joining Ontario, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. By designating Route 2, Prince Edward Island becomes the only province whose Veterans Memorial Highway spans the entire length of the province.
Similar designation ceremonies are scheduled to take place in Kings and Prince Counties as well. The Premier, Minister and members of the Veterans Community will attend at the Dr. Roddie Community Centre at St. Peter's Bay on June 21st and at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #27 in Bloomfield on June 28th.