American
Freedom Train No doubt about it, if you were involved with the American Freedom Train -- even for a little while -- it left and indelible mark on your life. It's fitting that you reunite with others that shared part of your experience. As the American Freedom Train steamed toward closing day in Miami, some of the staff thought to make a crew roster in hopes of staying in touch. The list was rather short, consisting mostly of people traveling with the train at that time. Only a year-and-a-half passed and the first reunion was organized. It was a resounding hit with the crew and they decided to repeat it every two years, which has generally been the case (hurricane cancellations notwithstanding) for over three decades now. Thanks to the Internet, the reunion roster has grown quite large! So, if you or a family member served with the American Freedom Train Foundation or on the American Freedom Train in any capacity -- including the Army contingent, advance staff, local committees and locomotive restoration crews/volunteers -- please email to get on the reunion mailing list! Everyone is welcome! What is a typical reunion like? Short answer: FUN -- with people who shared the ups and downs of working with and on the American Freedom Train, America's greatest Bicentennial event. Long answer: Each reunion has its host. (The host was picked by popular vote from among volunteers at the end of last reunion.) The reunion will likely be in whatever city the host lives in. About half the attendees attend every reunion, the other half are split between people who very rarely attend and those who are attending for the first time. So don't be shy... Over the course of a few days attendees can expect: A reception area to meet and mingle with other former crew, Army contingent, steam restoration (any of the three locomotives), advance ticket sales, office staff, security and even some people who served on American Freedom Train host city committees. Several people with likely bring their photos and scrap books. Saturday usually consists of optional activities in the local area. If there is a tourist railroad nearby, it will act like flypaper. Saturday night could be a dinner train or a nice restaurant (often followed by a visit to a piano bar by the heartiest souls). Sunday day can include more excursions or time in the reception room. By custom, each reunion is topped off with a short business meeting to pick the next host and a semiformal banquet with a viewing of "All Aboard America", the award-winning promotional film about the train -- with its catchy sing-a-long song. New
faces and families are very welcome and always appreciated, so if
you worked on the train in ANY capacity, please email now to be added to the mailing list!
|
Upcoming 50th Anniversary Reunions: Past Reunions:
A
big 'thank you' to |
||
