B.C. thanks veterans with 50,000 licence plates in 10 years
By Contributor
The Province is celebrating a decade of commemorative licence plates honouring Canadian veterans in British Columbia. Since the program launched in 2004 on the 60th anniversary of D-Day, more than 50,000 veterans have been recognized with the licence plates.
The commemorative licence plates are available to veterans who served during war time or in a post-war capacity in WWII, Korea, the Gulf War, or Afghanistan. Veterans who served during a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) or United Nations (UN) operation, including members of the RCMP and municipal police, are also eligible.
In September 2012, the program was expanded to include actively serving Canadian Forces members who hold a trade qualification.
“It is a privilege to honour the men and women who serve in our armed forces and police services,” said Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice.
“We are all grateful for their duty and sacrifice, their service to our communities and our province. With Remembrance Day upon us, it is a fitting time to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the BC Veterans Plate program and pay special tribute to those individuals who help make our world a safer place.”
The B.C. Veterans Commemorative Association (BCVCA) presented the idea for a licence plate program to the Province 10 years ago as a way to ensure the contributions of Canada’s service men and women are never forgotten.
BCVCA’s volunteer Second World War and Korean War Veteran members administer the program on behalf of the Provincial Government and partner with The Royal Canadian Legion to process some of the applications. The plates depict the National War Memorial in Ottawa and the red poppy that is synonymous with remembrance across Canada.
“Today marks a significant milestone as we join in celebration for the 10th Anniversary of the stunning, award winning BC Veterans Licence Plate,” said Lt.-Col. Archie M. Steacy, president, B.C. Veterans Commemorative Association.
“It has deep meaning for Veterans and current serving men and women, knowing that every day in communities throughout the province, fellow citizens honour their service and sacrifice.”
Just as the Veterans Licence Plates are an integral part of BC’s Motor Vehicle Legacy, so too is the TB Vets Key Tag Return program.
The program was created by Second World War Veterans and is supported by the Province and ICBC as a meaningful way to create employment for the inflicted and disabled, while providing a community service through the Key Tag Return program.
TB Vets is still going strong as they approach their 70th Anniversary in 2015.
“TB Vets feels privileged to be included on this momentous day and recognized as an important part of British Columbia’s Motor Vehicle heritage,” explained Eric Beddis, chairman, TB Vets Charitable Foundation.
“Together with the BC Veterans Commemorative Association, we share a common bond in preserving the memory of our founding Veterans and carrying forward their legacy of community service. We also share in our gratitude for the B.C. government’s unwavering commitment to our men and women in uniform, past and present, which reflects a strong sense of community pride and belonging.”
