MINNEAPOLIS — On Nov. 11, all Canadian Pacific trains in Canada and the United States will safely halt at 11 a.m. local time, 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.
“Canadian Pacific recognizes the contributions our employees have made in times of war both past and present” said Scott MacDonald, vice-president transportation. “Many of our employees continue to serve. These brave men and women are a legacy and an inspiration, as are the many CP employees who are today listed military reservists.”
Canadian Pacific has been touched by the tragic impacts of World War I and World War II. Over 33 thousand CP employees served in the last century’s two world wars. Sadly, 1,774 employees 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 transatlantic delivery of bombers to Britain. At home, Canadian Pacific’s efforts included transporting troops, supplies and equipment in addition to making its 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 tradition of service continues, 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 proud partner of the US Army PaYS program, which recruits soldiers interested in obtaining a quality civilian job following service to their country.
