charlottetown

1. 1862
   • Jan 1

     Who was named the first matron of the Canadian Army Medical Corps and was also Canada's first recipient of the Royal Red Cross?

     Georgina Fane Pope, born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, became the first matron of the Canadian Army Medical Corps and the first Canadian to receive the prestigious Royal Red Cross. Renowned as "Canada’s Florence Nightingale," she led military nurses in the South African War and later played a pivotal role in training over 3,100 nurses for service during the First World War. In 1903, Pope’s exceptional bravery and leadership were recognized as she became the first Canadian decorated with the Royal Red Cross, established by Queen Victoria. Her enduring legacy is celebrated in monuments, museum exhibits, and even a commemorative coin marking her 150th birthday.

2. 1879
   • Jul 10

     Who had the distinction of being the first woman to set up a medical practice in the province of Prince Edward Island?

     Dr. Elizabeth Margaret MacKenzie, buried at St. John's Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Belfast, Prince Edward Island, holds the distinction of being the first woman to establish a medical practice in the province. Her pioneering achievement in 1904 broke barriers in a conservative society that was unprepared to accept women physicians, leading her to eventually serve as a nurse and military nursing sister during the First World War in England and France. A rare headstone bearing the post-nominals M.D., C.M.-R.N. marks her remarkable and multifaceted medical career, which spanned Canada, the United States, and Europe. As we mark the 146th anniversary of her birth on July 10, 2025, Dr. MacKenzie's legacy endures as a testament to perseverance and service.

3. 1965
   • Feb 15

     When do Canadians observe the National Flag of Canada Day?

     Canadians observe National Flag of Canada Day every year on February 15th, marking the date in 1965 when the Maple Leaf Flag was first raised and the Canadian Red Ensign was officially retired. This day not only commemorates the adoption of a now-iconic national symbol but also highlights Canada's commitment to unity and remembrance, with ceremonies held from Charlottetown to Ottawa and beyond. One particularly poignant celebration occurs at the war memorial in Chester, Nova Scotia, where the Canadian flag flies beside a statue of a Nova Scotia Highlander sculpted by J. Massey Rhind and unveiled in 1922. In 2026, the country will mark both the 61st anniversary of the first flag raising and the 30th anniversary of National Flag of Canada Day, underscoring the enduring significance of the Maple Leaf in Canadian identity and memory.

4. 1989
   • Oct 6

     Who was known to have taken illegal photographs capturing front line experiences during the Great War?

     Brenton Harold "Jack" Turner of Prince Edward Island, Canada, was one of the few who secretly photographed daily life and combat on the Western Front during the First World War, in direct defiance of military bans. Turner's surreptitious collection of 99 images, captured with a smuggled German-made camera, offers a rare and personal glimpse into a soldier’s experience away from the official lens. Ingeniously modifying his uniform to conceal his camera, Turner developed his photos in battlefield cellars, preserving moments that would have otherwise been lost to history. Today, his unique legacy lives on through exhibitions, like the 2015 "Snapshots of Armageddon" in Charlottetown, and his century-long life serves as a testament to the enduring power of personal perspective in the record of war.

5. 2005
   • Sep 18

     What memorial is considered the first to be erected in Canada to recognize and commemorate the service and sacrifice of its community members of the military, police, peace officers and fire services?

     The Prince Edward Island Service Memorial Fountain in Queen’s Square, Charlottetown, stands as Canada’s first monument dedicated to honoring the collective service of military personnel, police, peace officers, and firefighters. Erected to commemorate Islanders who have risked or given their lives for peace, security, and public safety, it uniquely brings together recognition for all protective services in one place. Unveiled on September 18, 2005, the fountain features a striking bronze hand holding the Torch of Remembrance and an inscription from John McCrae’s iconic “In Flanders Fields.” Its enduring legacy also includes an annual scholarship that connects today’s youth with the traditions and sacrifices of those who served.

6. 2014
   • Sep 13

     What are 'Flags of Remembrance'?

     Flags of Remembrance is a national tribute launched in 2014 by Al Cameron and Veterans Voices of Canada to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Military Police, and First Responders. Each fall, 128 Canadian flags line the roads in communities such as Sylvan Lake, Dunnville, and Charlottetown, with every flag representing one thousand Canadian war dead or missing in action from the South African War to today, as well as fallen RCMP officers. Unique plaques beneath each flag individually recognize veterans, both past and present, and serve as personal tributes from families and friends. Celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2025, this powerful display not only preserves Canada’s military heritage but also supports ongoing efforts to document veterans’ stories for future generations.

January

1

1862Who was named the first matron of the Canadian Army Medical Corps and was also Canada's first recipient of the Royal Red Cross?

Georgina Fane Pope, born in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, became the first matron of the Canadian Army Medical Corps and the first Canadian to receive the prestigious Royal Red Cross. Renowned as "Canada’s Florence Nightingale," she led military nurses in the South African War and later played a pivotal role in training over 3,100 nurses for service during the First World War. In 1903, Pope’s exceptional bravery and leadership were recognized as she became the first Canadian decorated with the Royal Red Cross, established by Queen Victoria. Her enduring legacy is celebrated in monuments, museum exhibits, and even a commemorative coin marking her 150th birthday.

February

15

1965When do Canadians observe the National Flag of Canada Day?

Canadians observe National Flag of Canada Day every year on February 15th, marking the date in 1965 when the Maple Leaf Flag was first raised and the Canadian Red Ensign was officially retired. This day not only commemorates the adoption of a now-iconic national symbol but also highlights Canada's commitment to unity and remembrance, with ceremonies held from Charlottetown to Ottawa and beyond. One particularly poignant celebration occurs at the war memorial in Chester, Nova Scotia, where the Canadian flag flies beside a statue of a Nova Scotia Highlander sculpted by J. Massey Rhind and unveiled in 1922. In 2026, the country will mark both the 61st anniversary of the first flag raising and the 30th anniversary of National Flag of Canada Day, underscoring the enduring significance of the Maple Leaf in Canadian identity and memory.

July

10

1879Who had the distinction of being the first woman to set up a medical practice in the province of Prince Edward Island?

Dr. Elizabeth Margaret MacKenzie, buried at St. John's Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Belfast, Prince Edward Island, holds the distinction of being the first woman to establish a medical practice in the province. Her pioneering achievement in 1904 broke barriers in a conservative society that was unprepared to accept women physicians, leading her to eventually serve as a nurse and military nursing sister during the First World War in England and France. A rare headstone bearing the post-nominals M.D., C.M.-R.N. marks her remarkable and multifaceted medical career, which spanned Canada, the United States, and Europe. As we mark the 146th anniversary of her birth on July 10, 2025, Dr. MacKenzie's legacy endures as a testament to perseverance and service.

September

13

2014What are 'Flags of Remembrance'?

Flags of Remembrance is a national tribute launched in 2014 by Al Cameron and Veterans Voices of Canada to honour members of the Canadian Armed Forces, Royal Canadian Military Police, and First Responders. Each fall, 128 Canadian flags line the roads in communities such as Sylvan Lake, Dunnville, and Charlottetown, with every flag representing one thousand Canadian war dead or missing in action from the South African War to today, as well as fallen RCMP officers. Unique plaques beneath each flag individually recognize veterans, both past and present, and serve as personal tributes from families and friends. Celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2025, this powerful display not only preserves Canada’s military heritage but also supports ongoing efforts to document veterans’ stories for future generations.

18

2005What memorial is considered the first to be erected in Canada to recognize and commemorate the service and sacrifice of its community members of the military, police, peace officers and fire services?

The Prince Edward Island Service Memorial Fountain in Queen’s Square, Charlottetown, stands as Canada’s first monument dedicated to honoring the collective service of military personnel, police, peace officers, and firefighters. Erected to commemorate Islanders who have risked or given their lives for peace, security, and public safety, it uniquely brings together recognition for all protective services in one place. Unveiled on September 18, 2005, the fountain features a striking bronze hand holding the Torch of Remembrance and an inscription from John McCrae’s iconic “In Flanders Fields.” Its enduring legacy also includes an annual scholarship that connects today’s youth with the traditions and sacrifices of those who served.

October

6

1989Who was known to have taken illegal photographs capturing front line experiences during the Great War?

Brenton Harold "Jack" Turner of Prince Edward Island, Canada, was one of the few who secretly photographed daily life and combat on the Western Front during the First World War, in direct defiance of military bans. Turner's surreptitious collection of 99 images, captured with a smuggled German-made camera, offers a rare and personal glimpse into a soldier’s experience away from the official lens. Ingeniously modifying his uniform to conceal his camera, Turner developed his photos in battlefield cellars, preserving moments that would have otherwise been lost to history. Today, his unique legacy lives on through exhibitions, like the 2015 "Snapshots of Armageddon" in Charlottetown, and his century-long life serves as a testament to the enduring power of personal perspective in the record of war.