VIA Rail is sending a train of @300 Veterans to Ottawa for rememberance day ceremonies on Nov.11 The train leaves Halifax, N.S. Nov.9 and consists of 32 cars, 20 sleepers, 3 diners, baggage, skyline series, and park cars. It will be one of the longest passenger trains in Canada, so if you’re near the tracks go see it.
Wow
GO VIA RAIL!!! GET SOME PICS!!
Now that’s class.
Wish Amtrak could do the same!
tatans
Thanx for the Post. I’ve researched a bit of this myself and it should be a grand time for all involved. Here’s a bit of info I’ve put together for another thread:
[quote]
QUOTE: Via Rail of Canada has put together a Veteran’s Train that will take more than 300 Vets, military retirees and their families to Ottawa for Remembrance Day ceremonies on Nov 11th. This train will begin it’s journey from Halifax, Nova Scotia today as the “Ocean,” train #15 with a total of 32 cars - yes 32. The consist will include 3 diners and 20 sleepers (those numbers have not been confirmed). Change of trains takes place in Montreal where the “Corridor” train will supposedly be lengthened to accommodate the group. Return trip from Ottawa begins on Saturday, Nov 12th with arrival back in Halifax on Sunday on Via Rail’s “Ocean” train #14.
A barbershop quartet will provide on board entertainment, and menus will have a vintage look.
What a grand idea! Kudo’s to Via Rail and all behind the scenes for putting this together!
From the Via Rail website: Remembrance Day Train fully booked!
The Remembrance Day Train has proven so popular that all seats are booked! As you may know, VIA Rail has organized a special Halifax-Ottawa return trip between November 9 and 13 for those who want to participate in Remembrance Day ceremonies. This year’s commemoration is doubly special because 2005 marks the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II and has been declared Year of the Veteran. VIA Rail is grateful to its customers for their confidence and involvement, and wishes all Remembrance Day Train passengers a pleasant journey!
As some may recall, I was in Ottawa this last May - traveling from Halifax by train - for the commemoration of the War Museum. Although I missed the formal ceremonies by a day, there were sufficient “left overs” and lots of Vets to meet which made the trip such a success.
“Our” Place will mark the occasion of Ve
Nicely done, Via Rail!
In these times one has to wonder how many more years are left for the WWII vets [?] I have several family members who served with the Canadian forces and also U.S. as well. My admiration to them all and profound respect for those who never made it back.
I noticed that someone seemed a bit frantic regarding the route of the train to Ottawa. Would not it be rather simple to check the Via Rail web site for the schedule [?] It is available and shows all of the station stops between Halifax and Montreal for the “Ocean.” Also the train to Ottawa departs from Montreal - again those stops are shown too under the “Corridor” trains.
BK
It is an outstanding tribute to veterans everywhere! [tup] way up!
My maternal grandfather (MHRIP), was awarded the Croix de Guerre with leaves by the French for his work with the Black Watch in their contribution toward liberating France in the First World War. He served again in the Second World War as an aircraft maintenance officer. He could not talk about his experiences in France…they were too difficult to deal with. I wish he had lived to take that train with some of his buds. [sigh]
I wish we could do stuff like that in the USA. Oh, wait a minute: might interfere with buying lots of stuff six weeks early for the “Holiday Season” (note ironic quotation marks) . Hallowe’en made the grade because it involves purchasing lots of stuff. And I’m already seeing Santas on TV commercials. Seems to get worse every year.
Sorry for digression and rant, but I feel better already. [:I]
I didn’t see too much of the Canadian TV coverage of the train
as I was away most of the day, but I was told there were quite
a few items. There were crowds at to memorial service
in Ottawa, Best attendance honoring our servicemen ever.
When I’m in the States I find very little Canadian news on the tv.
Was wondering if any coverage by the media of this train.
The Rememberance Day services held across Canada were the most attended ever, I’m sure there will be a repeat next year, but remember, a lot of these vets are way in their 80’s and a lot on this train said it would be their last big event they attend (WW2 vets, that is) It sure seems Canada has not forgotten their veterans.