First question: Where along the route of the Empire Builder does the train cut onto Canadian Pacific territory? From everything I've ever read, this is a pure GN run.... Please enlighten on that ...
Now, as to Veteran's Day...
The price of freedom is not and never will be free. Our Nation was born in rebellion. Had Britain defeated the Continental Army in the field, many would have hung as traitors to the Crown.
Through over two centuries, and wars and campaigns beyond number, we've been fortunate to have those who stood in harms' way for the cause of Freedom.
It's because of that Freedom that most of us have the privilege we did on November 2 to elect our National leaders.
We've had, through the years, a steadfast neighbor and ally in Canada. We won't always agree, but we do, enough of the time. I remember watching one of their howitzers lose traction and slide down a snowy grade at Grafenwoehr when I was a young Captain. I called my maintenance officer and medics to come assist, before I called Range Control and reported the accident. Later, the artillerymen of two different battalions had one huge party at the Club when our training cycles ramped down.
So, if the Canadian Pacific elects to hold its trains at the 11th Hour of the 11th Day of the 11th Month, in Remembrance of their warriors, I will respect that call, and thank them for remembering their own troops.
John Perkowski
Lieutenant Colonel, Field Artillery, US Army Reserve
