A special Via Rail train carrying a few hundred veterans and their family members has arrived in Ottawa ahead of Remembrance Day ceremonies tomorrow.

The train left Halifax Wednesday morning, and made more than 25 stops on its way to the nation's capital.

About 300 people, including firemen, Mounties and young children, cheered as the veterans got off the train in Ottawa.

The veterans will attend special Year of the Veteran activities planned for Remembrance Day.

All along their journey the veterans were greeted by crowds of well-wishers of all ages, an abundance of Canadian flags, bagpipers and even track-side sing-alongs.

"It's the last trip for a lot of them, so I'm glad it happened," said one of the men honouring the veterans.

The journey also provided an opportunity for veterans to reunite, like those from the Maritime North Shore Regiment. The trip was a traveling reunion for them, as the train collected their comrades at several stops along the way.

"The guys you were in the war with, like Norm and Stuart, are more family than we've got left at home," said Harold Henshaw as he reminisced over old times with other members of the North Shore Regiment.

Thousands of Canada's brave soldiers boarded trains just like the VIA Rail Train of Remembrance more than 65 years ago, as part of the first leg of their journey to the front lines of the Second World War.

Today, some remembered that experience.

"The old steam engine and the coal dust in your eyes. You sit on a narrow seat with all your pack on," said veteran Harold Colquhoun during a brief stop in Montreal.

For others, it will be their first time in Ottawa.

"I never imagined something like this would ever happen. It's just fantastic," said veteran Norman Kirby.

The plan to revive the troop train was the idea of a couple of Via Rail employees, including Peggy Topple, who wanted to honour veterans in the Year of the Veteran.

"It's been amazing the number of communities, small and large, that have come aboard in welcoming the veterans on their departures and their arrivals back," she said from Halifax ahead of the train's departure.

Remembrance Day ceremonies will take place across Canada tomorrow.

In Ottawa, Prime Minister Paul Martin, along with Gov. Gen. Michaelle Jean and Veterans Affairs Minister Albina Guarnieri, will honour members of the Canadian Forces who gave their lives in service during a dedication ceremony for the Seventh Book of Remembrance.

With a report from CTV Montreal's Tania Krywiak