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WILLIAMSPORT, PA - The North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates (NSHR) unveiled and dedicated two of its locomotives on Friday, May 17th - the day before Armed Forces Day. NSHR held a private ceremony, along their Lycoming Valley Railroad, on the Lundy Warehouse rail siding, joined by employees (many who are Veterans of various branches of the US Military), employees’ friends and family, numerous elected officials, and many members of the Veteran community. The event served as a dedication and unveiling of the LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit) and LVRR 9050 (Memorial Unit). Decorated Locomotives Over the past couple years, NSHR has been working behind the scenes to dedicate two of their locomotives to United States military service members – past, present, and fallen. During this time, there was a lot of research, consideration, planning, and tears (out of overwhelming emotion and gratitude). Members of this group consisted of NSHR employees who were veterans and veteran families. It was important to NSHR to make sure these units would be a clean and respectful salute that would compel anyone who saw them to stop, reflect, pay respect, and give thanks to the men and women who selflessly laid their lives on the line in service to our country. LVRR 9052, Veterans Unit Painted in Camouflage Dark Sandstone Int (Coyote Tan), LVRR 9052 portrays the shadows of three soldiers saluting our nation’s flag. When soldiers enlist in the armed forces, they pledge to fight for country, knowing the risks. NSHR dedicates LVRR 9052 to all service members past, present, and future. It honors their loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage, as they have chosen to commit themselves to the defense of our nation. The “All Gave Some” written on the side of the unit helps us reflect and remember the brave men and women who gave so much for us to be here today – enjoying the freedoms we have. This locomotive serves as a reminder to be thankful for each US Veteran - having risked it all. LVRR 9050, Memorial Unit Painted in ANA 602 Light Gray (Battleship Gray), LVRR 9050 echoes the shadows of two soldiers paying respects to their fallen comrade, now remembered with a Battlefield Cross. Not all soldiers make it home. This reminds us there is no greater love than lay down one’s life for one’s friends. NSHR dedicates LVRR 9050 to all service members who have lost their lives defending this great nation. In the truest sense, freedom cannot be bestowed. Freedom must be achieved, and many great men and women paid the ultimate price for this achievement. The “Some Gave All” should make you bow your head and thank those who sacrificed their lives in order for us to be free. This locomotive serves as a reminder to pause and remember those who died - fighting for our freedom. A Message More than Words (or Color) NSHR knew there were many ways the locomotives could be decorated to pay homage. When it all came down to it, they knew the silhouettes that each locomotive reflects would be the most important message they could send. So, instead of using bright colors, camouflage, or red, white, and blue, the message is depicted in the silhouettes of each unit. Originally, NSHR intended on using full-color flags on the noses of the locomotives, after careful review and reflection, they realized, while the flag is a symbol of WHY our service members step-up and a symbol of WHO they are fighting for, the flag is not what these locomotives are dedicated to. Ultimately, the bright colors of the flag distracted from what these units represent – being every individual who ever said, “Me,” when our nation asked, “Who would will fight for my people and their freedom and liberty?” Making the Concept a Reality The Veterans Unit and Memorial Unit were designed by NSHR. They were painted in Brookville, PA, and their decals were cut and applied by Curry Designs of Altoona, PA. Before the Ceremony NSHR’s first order of business of the day was inviting ten of their employees (who are all Veterans of various branches of the US Military) to their Lycoming Valley Railroad Engine House where these employees, and their families, were given the first look at the units. The Veterans were then issued a challenge coin and signed one of the interior panels of LVRR 9052 (Veterans Unit). Pointing to the Veterans Unit, Jeb Stotter, NSHR President & CEO, told the employees, “This is for you. This unit is for you.” It was important to NSHR to honor their Veteran employees by giving them this opportunity - before the units were unveiled to the public. Joining NSHR for the Dedication NSHR was pleased to have the following parties join them for the May 17th, dedication: Veteran James May of the Office of Congressman Dan Meuser (who offered the invocation as a retired Army Chaplain), Ann Kaufman of the Office of Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, Pennsylvania Senator and Veteran Gene Yaw (event speaker), Pennsylvania Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver (event speaker), Veteran Douglas Lengenfelder of the Office of Pennsylvania Senator Cris Dush (event speaker), Pennsylvania Representative Jamie Flick (event speaker), Pennsylvania Representative Michael Stender, Pennsylvania Representative David Rowe, Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, Lycoming County Commissioner Scott L. Metzger, Lycoming County Commissioner, Marc C. Sortman, Lycoming County Commissioner Mark Mussina, members of Veterans of Korean War of Lycoming County, members of Veterans Affairs Williamsport Vet Center, and Mission BBQ. Mission BBQ helped elevate the event by bringing their impressive, decorated, retired military vehicle. They also served sliders for the attendees – which was a big hit! Another notable vehicle at the event was a beautiful, military-decorated concrete mixer from Centre Concrete. It Doesn’t End Here While you will see LVRR 9052 and LVRR 9050 pulling freight in regular freight service (including service on NSHR’s rail lines in Blair, Centre, Clinton, Lycoming, Union, Montour, Columbia, Snyder, and Northumberland Counties), NSHR intends on also using them for another purpose. In the future, NSHR will be using these units to run special passenger trips – where the ticket proceeds will benefit various veteran organizations. When you see the Veterans Unit and Memorial Unit on NSHR’s rails, please take a moment, pause, pay respect, and give thanks – as these locomotives serve the purpose of reminding us to do. Our respect and thanks will never be enough.
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