Veterans’ plate now available for serving members

By MorinvilleNews.com Staff

Edmonton – Drivers could soon be seeing a lot more veterans’ licence plates on the highway. The distinctive plate with its red poppy and maple leaf will now be available to currently serving members of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Beginning Aug. 16, current armed forces members with at least three years of service will be able to apply for veterans’ plates, and when renewing their vehicle registration can obtain the plate at no additional cost.

“As a retired serviceman, I know this gesture will be appreciated by the men and women in the forces,” said the Honourable Donald Ethell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta in a July 26 press release. “The plates are instantly recognizable to Albertans. When they see it, they think of the people who put themselves in the service of our country.”

When the program began in February of 2005, veterans’ plates were only available to honourably discharged retired members of the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as retired members of the RCMP and other Canadian police departments who served under NATO or the United Nations. Almost 18,000 veterans’ plates have been issued since that time.

Royal Canadian Legion’s Alberta-N.W.T. Command President Darrel Jones said he was pleased with the recognition to current armed forces members.

“Alberta veterans and current service members have a proud history of serving their country, and it’s heart-warming to know Albertans appreciate that contribution,” he said.

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