The Poplar Standard

"Vital to Victory"

The Service Flag in the lobby of the Great Northern's General Offices at St. Paul shows that 5,644 employees have been called from their work and their homes to fight for their country.

With more than eight fourths of its experienced personnel now in the armed forces, and without the replacements of equipment or materials and supplies which ordinarily would be available, the Great Northern, in common with other American railroads, has been called upon for an unprecedented volume of transportation service.

That the army of railroad workers on the home front has met this challenge successfully is attested by the following letter addressed to the American Railroads by Robert P. Patterson, Under Secretary of War, and James Forrestal, Under Secretary of the Navy:

"The War and Navy Departments wish to appreciate it if you would express to the men and women who work America's railroads the gratitude of the Army and Navy for the splendid job they are doing.

Since the outbreak of war the railroads have hauled 76 million carloads of freight, most of it destined for battle fronts. Millions of fighting men have been transported to training camps and embarkation ports.

The Army and Navy realize that to perform this big job, crews on trains, in shops, in yards, and along right of way have had to work long and hard. To the men and women who have made this record possible, the Army and Navy are deeply grateful.

"Keep up the good work--for railroad work is war work, railroad service is vital to victory."

The Great Northern is proud of its representation in the fighting forces of our Country and equally proud of its nearly 30,000 men and women who are doing their utmost to assure that the sacrifices of our fighting forces shall be of lasting benefit.