Learn moreVeteran's highway
PRESS RELEASE
MONTREAL, Quebec, November 6, 2007 / The Royal Canadian Legion wishes to thank
the Quebec Government for having named Highway 20, between Rivière Beaudette and
the Turcot Exchange «Autoroute du Souvenir», the French version of the Veterans’
Memorial Highway.
This Quebec Command Legion project was a joint effort with the Commission de
toponymie, the Premier’s office and the Ministry of Transport chipping in to ensure that
this section of the Highway would be appropriately designated.
«Veterans from all allied countries that will travel along this section of the highway will
be proud. The Quebec Government has ensured that the Poppy be shown on every sign
along the «Autoroute du Souvenir». The Poppy is our trademark for Remembrance. We
are grateful to the Premier, the Transport Minister and the President of the Commission
de toponymie. Every motorist will be reminded of the sacrifices of those men and women
who gave their lives so that we now live in total freedom.», said Quebec Command Royal
Canadian Legion President, Annette Arsenault, as she spoke in front of veterans who
were attending the highway inaugural ceremony.
The Royal Canadian Legion is responsible for perpetuating Remembrance in Canada.
Each year the Legion organizes and runs the National Poppy and Remembrance
Campaign to remind Canadians of the tremendous debt we owe to the 117,000 men and
women who have given their lives in the defence of Canada during two World Wars, the
Korean War and other military missions around the world. Contributions made during the
campaign are used to assist needy veterans, ex-service members and their families.
The Legion also supports programs for seniors, particularly through direct communitylevel
activities, the Legion Long term care Surveyor Program and a housing program.
The Legion's Youth program provides scholarships and bursaries, sports programs and
support to activities such as cadets, scouts and guides.
the Quebec Government for having named Highway 20, between Rivière Beaudette and
the Turcot Exchange «Autoroute du Souvenir», the French version of the Veterans’
Memorial Highway.
This Quebec Command Legion project was a joint effort with the Commission de
toponymie, the Premier’s office and the Ministry of Transport chipping in to ensure that
this section of the Highway would be appropriately designated.
«Veterans from all allied countries that will travel along this section of the highway will
be proud. The Quebec Government has ensured that the Poppy be shown on every sign
along the «Autoroute du Souvenir». The Poppy is our trademark for Remembrance. We
are grateful to the Premier, the Transport Minister and the President of the Commission
de toponymie. Every motorist will be reminded of the sacrifices of those men and women
who gave their lives so that we now live in total freedom.», said Quebec Command Royal
Canadian Legion President, Annette Arsenault, as she spoke in front of veterans who
were attending the highway inaugural ceremony.
The Royal Canadian Legion is responsible for perpetuating Remembrance in Canada.
Each year the Legion organizes and runs the National Poppy and Remembrance
Campaign to remind Canadians of the tremendous debt we owe to the 117,000 men and
women who have given their lives in the defence of Canada during two World Wars, the
Korean War and other military missions around the world. Contributions made during the
campaign are used to assist needy veterans, ex-service members and their families.
The Legion also supports programs for seniors, particularly through direct communitylevel
activities, the Legion Long term care Surveyor Program and a housing program.
The Legion's Youth program provides scholarships and bursaries, sports programs and
support to activities such as cadets, scouts and guides.
Info: Jean-Robert Pépin, Vice-president, Public Relations,
(418) 628 9335, j.robert@videotron.ca
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Inauguration of the Veteran's Highway
On 6 November 2007, Quebec Premier Jean Charest and Transport Minister Julie Boulet
officially inaugurated the portion of Highway 20, between the Ontario border at Rivière-
Beaudette and the Turcot exchange in Montreal. It will now be known as l’« Autoroute
du Souvenir » or the Quebec Remembrance Highway.
« By naming a section of Highway 20, l’«Autoroute du Souvenir», the Quebec
Government recognizes the courage of those men and women who gave their lives for us
all. I speak for all Quebecers as I thank all veterans who participated in the various
conflicts and missions around the world», said the Quebec Premier.
« It is a great pleasure to unveil these road signs on which appears a poppy, the Legion’s
symbol for Remembrance, reminding us of those sacrifices that were done in the defence
of peace, freedom and democracy», added the Transport Minister.
The Quebec government’s Commission de toponymie, the agency responsible for naming
official sites and places, accepted a request from Quebec Command, to change Highway
20’s designation, in the Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue sector. « This area is full of meaning for
all Quebecers and, mainly, for veterans as it encompasses the Ste-Anne Hospital and the
Veterans Memorial Cemetery, two important sites for veterans and their families », said
the Minister.
The idea was first brought up at Convention by Comrade Yvan Robertson, one of Quebec
Command’s past presidents. Comrade Jean-Robert Pépin, vice-president of Quebec
Command and President of Branch Citadelle was head of the project.
«Veterans from all allied countries that will travel along this section of the highway will
be proud. The Quebec Government has ensured that the Poppy be shown on every sign
along the «Autoroute du Souvenir». The Poppy is our trademark for Remembrance. We
are grateful to the Premier, the Transport Minister and the President of the Commission
de toponymie. Every motorist will be reminded of the sacrifices of those men and women
who gave their lives so that we now live in total freedom.», said Quebec Command Royal
Canadian Legion President, Annette Arsenault, as she spoke in front of veterans who
were attending the highway inaugural ceremony.
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