Via Rail is offering Canadian Forces members, veterans and National Defence employees free rail travel for the month of July in a gesture of appreciation, railway officials said Wednesday in Halifax.

"The clear intention here is for Via Rail to express on behalf of all Canadians how much we appreciate the service of men and women in uniform and our veterans and their families," Defence Minister Peter MacKay said at the announcement.

Via officials said the railway and the military have long been linked, with trains carrying 90 per cent of the First and Second World War troops to the ports and home again.

More than half a million people will be eligible for the free, unlimited travel along the railway's routes, Via said.

"The people that will be able to use this is everyone attached to the Department of Defence," said Via chairman Donald Wright. "Reservists are included and veterans are included."

The offer also includes for members of the Canadian Forces a 50 per cent discount for up to five family members.