Times & Transcript (Moncton)
September 23, 2006 Page A3
War brides can relive historic 1946 journey: In celebration of Year of the War Bride, train will journey to Halifax for Remembrance Day ceremony
By James Foster
Times & Transcript Staff
War brides have the chance during this year's Remembrance Day celebrations to relive one of the most traumatic experiences they've ever endured, only in a much happier way.
Via Rail has designated the Ocean train leaving Montreal for Halifax, via Moncton, on Nov. 6 as the War Bride Train, carrying hundreds of war brides and their families back to Halifax's Pier 21, where the brides first set foot on Canadian soil.
The Ocean leaves the Moncton station on Nov. 7 at noon.
"They are ecstatic. They are so excited about this," organizer Peggy Topple of Via Rail says.
"The majority of them have not had the opportunity to return to Pier 21 since 1946."
This is the Year of the War Bride, and following the success of last year's Troop Train that carried hundreds of veterans to Remembrance Day ceremonies in Ottawa, a similar trip is set for the war brides this year.
As well, last year's Troop Train will be repeated this year. The War Bride Train was inspired by the Veterans' Train, after organizers like Topple and Ron Jackson, also of Via Rail, met many war brides aboard the Remembrance Day Train.
"We are really pleased to be helping the war brides relive, in reverse, their first historic voyage in Canada," Jackson says.
Those on the Ocean that day will enjoy music by a ladies' barbershop quartet and might even be able to participate in an oral history interview with an historian from Pier 21.
On Nov. 8, Pier 21 will host celebrations to mark the Year of the War Bride.
Between 1942 and 1948, 43,454 war brides and 20,997 children came to Canada from Britain and Europe, most of them landing in 1946.
"Nearly one in 30 Canadians can claim a war bride in their family tree and that number alone speaks to their impact on our society," says Melynda Jarratt, a war brides historian.
The Canadian government paid for the patriation effort, which was designed to bring Canadian servicemen's wives to this country.
In July and August of 1946 alone, more than 12,000 women and children - 90 per cent of them British - landed at Pier 21.
The response to the War Bride Train was overwhelming, Topple says.
"In May we sent out some literature to see if there interest would be there, and you could not imagine," she said.
All sleeping cars are already booked, but coach fares are still available by calling 1-888-842-7245.
One family travelling on the train will include four generations and several couples plan to renew their wedding vows while in Halifax.
Pier 21 activities on Nov. 8 include a church service, exhibits, a multi-media presentation, a swing dance and singalong.
The Troop Train to Ottawa also has only coach tickets available, with sleeper cars selling out fast due to the popularity of last fall's inaugural run.
The Ocean leaves Moncton on Nov. 9 at 5 p.m. bound for Ottawa and large contingent of vets will be aboard.
To buy tickets, call the number above or dial 1-800-268-1133 and mention the Via Rail Troop Train, booking code GGVIAR.
"Last year's train was a truly unforgettable journey," Jackson says.
"By offering this special departure again this year, we hope that even more of Canada's veterans will be able to experience it. It has just escalated from last year."
Officials are putting the finishing the details on special touches and entertainment for those aboard the Troop Train.
