Korean War tank completes cross-country rail trip to Langley for Remembrance Day
Credit to Author: Postmedia News| Date: Sun, 10 Nov 2019 22:19:28 +0000
A historic Centurion war tank used during the Korean War has completed its cross-country rail trip from Nova Scotia to B.C. in time for Remembrance Day.
It is the last known Centurion tank in Canada and had been on display at Cornwallis Park in Halifax, Nova Scotia before being loaded onto a CN rail car on Oct. 30 and being transported across the country.
The massive piece of military history arrived in Langley on Sunday, just in time for Monday’s Remembrance Day ceremony. Following Monday’s events, the tank will be on display at the Western Museum of Armed Forces before a more permanent home is found.
“Canada fielded Centurions as our main battle tank well into the 1970s,” said Ken Hynes, a former major and current curator of the Army Museum Halifax Citadel. “In Korea, Canadians fought from 1950 to 1953 – their service and sacrifice is an honoured chapter of our country’s military heritage and must never be forgotten.”
The tank was being sought by the Western Museum of Armed Forces, as Langley is home to a large Korean population and the community frequently incorporates aspects of the Korean War into its events at local Legions and during Remembrance Day.
Some 26,000 Canadians served during the war on land, at sea and in the air; 516 Canadians were killed in the war efforts.
CN sponsored the transfer of the tank from the east to the west coast, in a partnership with A.W. Liel, John Hunter Trucking Co., Total Transport & Rigging and Quiring Towing and Recovery.
“We have a proud and strong history of moving Canadian military equipment and soldiers,” said Keith Reardon with CN. “During this month of commemoration for the sacrifices made by our veterans and our Armed Forces, we wanted to contribute by doing what we do best.”