On Nov. 11, network-wide, all Canadian Pacific and Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad trains will safely halt at 11 am local time to observe two minutes of respect in silence and then sound a long train whistle in tribute.
A Remembrance Day and Veterans Day service will also be held at CP’s headquarters in Calgary.
“On this day, Canadian Pacific will recognize the contributions our employees made in times of war,” Fred Green, Canadian Pacific President and CEO said in a statement. “On land, at sea and in the air, at home and abroad, the company, its people, its resources, its ingenuity and expertise were needed. These brave men and women are a legacy and an inspiration, as are those 44 CP employees who are today listed as military reservists.”
Of the 33,000 CP employees who served in the last century’s two world wars, 1,774 died in battle. In the two world wars combined, 24 of 74 CP ships were lost to enemy action. In the air, CP pioneered the trans-Atlantic delivery of bombers to Britain. At home, the company’s efforts included transporting troops, supplies and equipment. It also made shops available for the output of Valentine tanks, engines for frigates and landing craft, naval vessel power equipment components, naval guns, anti-submarine devices and fire-control equipment.
The statement said that tradition of service continues today, with 44 Canadian and American employees currently listed as reservists. In Canada, CP moves Canadian Forces’ equipment and is one of Canada’s most supportive employers of primary Reserve Force personnel. In the United States, CP is a partner of the US Army PaYS program, which recruits soldiers interested in obtaining a quality civilian job following service to their country.
These brave men and women will be recognized at CP’s own Remembrance and Veteran’s Day ceremony. Canadian Pacific executives, employees, Police Service officers, pensioners, members of the Canadian Forces Calgary Highlanders Calgary 41st Brigade Group, and the Navy League Cadet Corps will recognize their service at a special ceremony at CP’s Calgary head office, next to the steam locomotive.
