prince edward island

10 articles

Sep13

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.

Sep18

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.

Sep18

1992What is the longest network of recreational trails in the world?

The Trans Canada Trail, rebranded as the Great Trail in 2017, is the world’s longest network of recreational trails, stretching an incredible 24,100 kilometres across Canada and linking 15,000 communities from coast to coast to coast. Conceived in Summerside, Prince Edward Island in 1992 as a legacy for Canada’s 125th anniversary, the trail unites iconic local routes like the Confederation Trail and the Klondike Trail into a single, multi-use corridor. A unique highlight is the colorful Mile Zero marker in Tuktoyaktuk, well north of the Arctic Circle, which connects remote northern regions to the rest of the trail, while Summerside’s railway station hosts the official monument marking the trail’s birthplace. Today, more than 400 community trails and countless volunteers help preserve this living symbol of Canadian history and unity.

Oct6

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.

Feb15

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.

May3

1915What is "In Flanders Fields"?

In Flanders Fields" is the world-renowned war memorial poem written by Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae while serving with the Canadian Army Medical Corps in Belgium. Composed on May 3, 1915, amid the devastation of the Second Battle of Ypres, the poem has become a symbol of remembrance for soldiers who died in conflict. A commemorative panel in Georgetown, Prince Edward Island, features the full text of McCrae’s poem, connecting this small Canadian community to the global legacy of remembrance.

Jun12

1908What 19th century site in Prince Edward Island inspired Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery to write the popular 'Anne of Green Gables' novel?

Green Gables farm in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island, is the real-life inspiration behind Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery's iconic novel, 'Anne of Green Gables.' Montgomery’s fond childhood visits to the farm and its enchanting woodlands shaped the world that Anne Shirley would inhabit, making this site a literary landmark. Since its publication on June 12, 1908, the novel has sold approximately 50 million copies and has profoundly influenced cultures as far away as Japan, where 'Anne' remains a beloved figure. Today, visitors from around the world flock to the immaculately preserved Green Gables House, still featuring Anne's famous dress laid out on her bed, to experience the charm that captivated Montgomery and her readers.

Jul10

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.

Jan1

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.

Jun18

1815Who chose the moniker for the 'Battle of Waterloo' in 1815?

The famous name "Battle of Waterloo" was chosen by the Duke of Wellington, who penned his victory report at his Waterloo headquarters after the pivotal clash on June 18, 1815, near present-day Belgium. Despite the fighting occurring largely in Braine-l'Alleud and Plancenoit, and other armies naming the battle differently, Wellington's title prevailed in history. A remarkable survivor of the brutal conflict, James Quinn of the 27th (Inniskilling) Regiment of Foot, later emigrated to Prince Edward Island, Canada—one of only 261 men of his 747-strong regiment to march away unwounded, following a staggering 64% casualty rate. This anniversary not only remembers one of Europe’s deadliest days, but also commemorates the monumental lion memorial erected by King William I, completed nearly two centuries ago, which still marks the site today.