Veterans' Memorial Highway

This highway was renamed as Veterans' Memorial Highway on November 11, 2005. Government of Alberta - News Release - November 11, 2005 Highway 36 renamed Veterans Memorial Highway Alberta veterans honoured and remembered during Year of the Veteran Brooks…In remembrance of the sacrifices and contributions Alberta veterans have made to the province, the Government of Alberta has renamed Highway 36 the Veterans Memorial Highway. "Alberta's veterans are extraordinary Canadians who have stepped forward to serve their nation and they deserve our thanks, respect and remembrance," said Premier Ralph Klein. "This highway is a lasting tribute to the men and women who have fought to defend this province, our country and our freedom, and who continue to risk their lives in peacekeeping activities around the world." The naming of Veterans Memorial Highway is part of the provincial commemorative activities during the Year of the Veteran. The trailblazer sign that will mark the roadway incorporates the image of the red poppy and the maple leaf, the same design that adorns Alberta's veterans' license plates. "Alberta veterans have made profound contributions to the province. The Veterans Memorial Highway recognizes their contributions and honours their sacrifices as a permanent, province-wide memorial," said Dr. Lyle Oberg, Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation. The naming of the Veterans memorial Highway was an initiative of the government caucus, led by Wayne Cao, MLA for Calgary-Fort. "I am pleased to see the Veterans Memorial Highway becoming a reality, especially during the Year of the Veteran," said Cao. "The highway will serve as a daily reminder to all who travel the roadway of the sacrifices and commitment veterans have made on our behalf." Highway 36 was selected as an appropriate highway to remember Alberta veterans because it runs most of the length of the province for 626 kilometres from Warner to Lac La Biche. A total of 82 trailblazer signs will be added along the highway in the coming months, while existing Highway 36 signs will remain. Approximately 2,500 vehicles travel the Veterans Memorial Highway each day. "Alberta veterans can take pride in our new highway - it is a memorial to our efforts to defend freedom and to protect peace," said Harvey Shevalier, President of the Alberta-NWT Command, Royal Canadian Legion. "The highway pays tribute to those who lost their lives in defending our country and our way of life in Alberta. Each sign along the highway is a marker to their loss." Other names highways in Alberta include Queen Elizabeth II Highway (Highway 2), Cowboy Trail (Highway 22), Big Horn Highway (Highway 40), the David Thompson Highway (Highway 11), and Buffalo Trail (Highway 41).