Above: The Gold Star Memorial train at its unveiling at South Station last month (contributed photo)
Last month the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company unveiled its Gold Star Memorial train. The passenger coach bears the name of every soldier, marine, sailor and airman who lost their life while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The Gold Star Memorial coach will travel thousands of miles across Massachusetts and Rhode Island as a reminder of our fallen heroes, and tonight the train will pass through Southborough along the Boston-Worcester line. You can catch a glimpse as it stops at the Southborough Commuter Rail station at 4:53 pm and 6:51 pm.
To learn more about the train, visit the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad Company website (www.mbcr.net).
Update 06/14/12: In the comments several of you said you showed up to see the train, but it never came. I asked the PR rep for MBCR what happened, and here’s what he had to say:
The coach went out for the line-run it was found to have a defective airbag and was switched out and brought back into the mechanical shop for repairs. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the call from dispatch about this until yesterday evening. Our sincerest apologies, but safety for the crew and passengers always comes first (and communication between the mechanical department and us the PR firm takes awhile as it has to filter through a few different channels first.)
and what? this makes southborough special how?
It’s not to make Southborough special…it’s the car itself, which happens to be attached to the commuter train. And as far as Gold Stars go…….you never want to have to hang one in your window.
Thank you for letting us know. I will be going to see it and say a special prayer for those service members who lost their lives for this country.
This does not make us special per say, it honors us to be able to pay tribute to those that gave the ultimate sacrifice. My family will be there to see it and to honor those fallen and their families. I think this is a wonderful idea and another way for us who enjoy the freedoms afforded by our brave men and women serving to never forget those who gave so much.
I was there at 4:53 but did not see it. Did I miss it? I work for a Department of the Army Program called Survivor Outreach Services which is dedicating to taking care of families of fallen soldiers. We are their central point of contact for financial and benefits counseling, links to mental health counseling and support groups and provide a shoulder during this difficult time. The train is just one way MA honors Gold Star and surviving families, Mr Kendall is right it is not something anyone wants to experience.
I don’t know if the train was running on time or not. The rep for the Mass. Bay Commuter Rail who contacted me this afternoon with the info said the train would be running on the normal evening commuter rail schedule with stops in Southborough at 4:53 pm and 6:51 pm. Did anyone see it come through?
A nice group of us were there until 7:15, unfortunately we did not get to see it as it wasn’t attached to the train. Please let us know when it will make an appearance. It was so nice to see everyone with flags!
Hmm. Let me see what I can find out.
I was with a bunch of true patriots waiting at 6:51. Flags at the ready, camera charged, no train!
The only good news is that maybe we’ll be able to make the next pass-through. Liel, I hope you now see the point…it’s not Southborough that’s special, it’s an honor to acknowledge soldiers who gave their lives for our country.
I got the scoop. The train had mechanical problems and was pulled from the line (more details in the post above). The rep from MBCR said the run will be rescheduled and promised to let me know.
Apologies to all of you who turned out to see it last night!
That is great news, thank you so much for looking into this. Looking forward to seeing the train on its next trip through.
Susan, no apologies necessary. If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have known about this at all, for that I am grateful. I’m looking forward to seeing it when it rolls through. It was nice saying hi to the neighbors.
I agree……..what a shame that they haven’t paid too much attention to this in the media. Thanks Susan! This was the first I had heard about the special dedication of this memorial train.
Liel,
I read your comments last night and was trying to let them go. I have two family members in the armed forces and am digusted by your comment. I hope you are enjoying your freedom.
Alan your feelings are shared with many. if i thought a lot about what Liel had to say it would raise my blood pressure and make my blood boil !!! He or she is ignorant and not worth a second thought. there are many more careing people out there who greatly appreciate our miltary and their families . I think about people with a heart like steve whynot and lisa bracio . your family members will be in my thoughts.
I heard a rumor that the Gold Star Memorial car will pass through Southborough this evening at 5:41. Can you confirm this Susan??
The MBCR rep says it will be the inbound train coming through Southborough at 5:21 pm.
The Gold Star train went by our house just as I got home at 4:53 this afternoon, That train arrives in Worcester at 5:24 which would make it impossible to get back to Southborough at 5:21, so I’m thinking that the Gold Star train will come down the tracks at the MBTA lot on River Street at 6:41 which would make it the same schedule as the original earlier this month.
Thanks, Linda! It didn’t come through at 5:21 as advertised by the MBCR. Hope it does at 6:41. Some residents who were there earlier this evening were planning on going back to the station in hopes of seeing it.