Highway 125 Designated Peacekeepers Way

Highway 125 was designated Peacekeepers Way today, Aug. 18, to recognize Nova Scotians who have participated in Canada's peace support operations since 1956.

Premier Rodney MacDonald, accompanied by Justice Minister Cecil Clarke, on behalf of Murray Scott, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal, announced the designation in Sydney.

The designation recognizes Canadian Forces personnel, and police from Nova Scotia who have contributed to peace and security around the world. Nova Scotians have participated in peacekeeping operations from the Middle East to Central America, from Cyprus to Bosnia Herzegovina.

"We are honoured to recognize the incredible contribution of our peacekeepers," said Premier MacDonald. "As they drive this highway, Nova Scotians will be reminded of the dedication and sacrifice which our peacekeepers have contributed, and continue to contribute, to United Nations' peacekeeping missions around the world."

Nova Scotia first used highway designations to recognize the contributions of extraordinary Nova Scotians in 2000, when Highway 102, between Miller Lake and Truro, was designated Veterans Memorial Highway.

Peacekeepers Way will continue to be known as Highway 125 to avoid confusion for emergency personnel and the public.

"But in our hearts and in our minds, it will be known as Peacekeepers Way," said the premier.

Highway 125 is part of the province's 100-series highway network. The highway runs from an interchange with Highway 105 in Sydney Mines to Grand Lake Road in Sydney.

The designation is part of the province's efforts to recognize National Peacekeepers' Day, which is Aug. 9. National Peacekeepers' Day is a time to honour and remember Canadian peacekeepers who have served, or are serving, in support of peace around the world.