Free flights for vets, new forget-me-not logos as PAL marks Beaumont-Hamel 100th

Provincial Airlines and the Royal Canadian Legion are teaming up to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Battle of Beaumont-Hamel with new forget-me-not flower designs and complimentary in-province flights to war veterans to attend anniversary events.

At an announcement Wednesday afternoon at one of PAL's hangars in St. John's, the airline showed images of a forget-me-not that will soon grace the passenger door entrance of all PAL airplanes. The flower became the symbol of Newfoundlanders who fought in the First World War.

The airline also announced it will be offering complimentary in-province flights to war veterans who would like to travel to St. John's to attend special July 1 Memorial Day ceremonies and Beaumont-Hamel commemorative activities at The Rooms. All veterans will also be offered a 20 per cent discount on future PAL flights.

"The sacrifice of so many of Newfoundland and Labrador's sons [on July 1, 1916] at Beaumont-Hamel remains a defining moment for all of us in this great province," said General Rick Hillier, a senior advisor for PAL, in a press release Wednesday.

"As part of our remembrance and appreciation, I am honoured to announce this partnership between PAL Airlines and The Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Command of the Royal Canadian Legion."