Poppy plates for veterans who ride motorcycles in N.L.

The province of Newfoundland and Labrador has unveiled a special-edition licenceplatefor motorcycle riders who served in the military.

The plates, unveiled at a ceremony at theConception Bay South war memorial on Thursday, feature a poppy.

VeteranTom Skelding was the honouraryfirstrecipient who picked up his plate Number VA0001 from PremierDwight Ball and Frank Sullivan,the president of the Royal Canadian Legion Provincial Command.

"I'm humbled to receive that number," saidSkelding, who retired as an armycaptain from the Royal Canadian Dragoons, and started a letter-writing campaign to get the special plates.

"Motorcycles have always been part of the military, going back to pre-World War One, dispatch riders ... In the second war, there were motorcycle regiments," he said."There's a history of motorcycling and the military. A lot of military folks take it up as a hobby."

He said wearing the plates raises awareness.

"They see the veteran. They see the poppy, and they know what some of us did for a living."

Ball said the plates are a sign of respectfor veterans who live in Newfoundland and Labrador.. He saidthe poppy symbol of remembrance is already featured on vehicle licence plates.