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.

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.

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.

Quotes:

Rich Coleman, Deputy Premier and Minister of Natural Gas Development  -

“I was honoured to present the first plate ten years ago. B.C. veterans and peace keepers continue to make a significant contribution to protecting our safety and preserving our way of life. These commemorative licence plates help express our appreciation and honour veterans for their distinguished service to British Columbia, Canada and the world.”

Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice -

“It is a privilege to honour the men and women who serve in our armed forces and police services. 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.”

Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure -

“We’re thankful for the many years of service and sacrifice B.C.’s 80,000 veterans have given to their country and we’re thankful for those who continue to serve. This licence plate program demonstrates our gratitude to these brave men and women for their service to Canada. The ministry and ICBC support this program which recognizes the courage and sacrifices of our veterans in B.C.”

Lt.-Col. Archie M. Steacy, president, B.C. Veterans Commemorative Association -

“Today marks a significant milestone as we join in celebration for the 10th Anniversary of the stunning, award winning BC Veterans Licence Plate. 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.”

Eric Beddis, chairman, TB Vets Charitable Foundation -

“TB Vets feels privileged to be included on this momentous day and recognized as an important part of British Columbia’s Motor Vehicle heritage. 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.”

(flickr.com)

Quick Facts:

• The veterans licence plate program was first announced in B.C. on June 1, 2004.
• Between 2004 and Aug. 31, 2014, 51,000 plates have been issued:
• 36,00 Passenger plates
• 8,700 Commercial plates
• 6,700 Motorcycle plates

Learn More:

British Columbia Veterans Commemorative Association: http://www.bcveterans.org

TB Vets: http://www.tbvets.org

Media Contact:

Sandra Steilo
Ministry of Natural Gas Development
250 952-0617

Sharel Fraser
BC Veterans Association
604 874-5626 x 107

Andrew Walsh
TB VETS, Marketing & Public Relations
604 874-5626
andrew@tbvets.org