Click on the link above and read all about the event. Come see the Captain and the members of the Utah Military History Group at this great event.
The Military History Group has done this event for the past three years. It is truly special to be able to ride in these vintage passenger train cars. You can feel the history come alive as she moves down the rails. The many visitors dressed in vintage clothes along with the military group decked out in WW2 uniforms tops it all off. Whether it is the steam engine or the vintage diesel it is a great ride. The Andrew sisters sing you back to the 1940’s as we walk about the train cars meeting and greeting veterans of all services and all eras from WW2 to the war on Terror today.
The Captain at last years train event. we all had the honor of meeting a WW2 Navy veteran who served in the Pacific on the Battleship USS Pennsylvania.
This Navy Sailor Veteran of WW2 was not a shy guy!The Military History Group was afforded the opportunity to tour a train car once used by Harry S. Truman during his Presidential run in 1948.The best part of riding the rails at this event is meeting the veterans and their families.The vintage trains are awesome
So Saddle UP and we will see you tomorrow night 6:00 pm! Ohra
Harold Bray is the youngest of the survivors and a retired police officer. Thank You Harold Bray for your service to our great nation. For all you endured during the worlds worst times and for the man you are today. Scott Montefusco, Captain of Marines salutes you sir!
Interior Communications Electrician 2nd Class Camille Panes, Culinary Specialist 2nd Class Oliver Ballesteros, Staff Sergeant Thomas Adair, and Staff Sergeant Charles Ryan Carlton surprise Harold Bray, an Indianapolis survivor, visiting him on his 93rd birthday. Bray is known for being one of more than 300 people to survive the sinking of Indianapolis, a Naval cruiser on July 30, 1945. Bray had no idea Sailors and Marines were to come to wish him “Happy Birthday.’ Bray told his story of being on the cruiser and surviving the horror that brought the ship down in 12 minutes. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Meranda Keller)Navy Marine Corps team has landed for one of their own….Recalling that tragic night so that future generations do not forget.All proud servants of our military services and our nationYears of memories of those Harold serviced with and the harrowing episode in his life in the service of our nation during WW2.Photos and painting of his home during WW2 before she was lost along with 888 Sailors and Marines in 1945.We were all young once. Harold Bray was only on the USS Indianapolis for two weeks as this was his first duty station during the war. Unbeknownst to Harold he would take part in the Top Secret mission to deliver the Atomic Bomb components to be dropped on Japan which would end WW2. Tragically this mission would cost the lives of so many, and test the will of so many to survive.
May we never forget all those who served during WW2 and all those who have followed in their service to our great nation. We are blessed that we have men like Harold to pass the story on. We are blessed to have young men and women who volunteer to service in our military today. That young members would take the time to recognize one of their own on his birthday.
Semper Fidels America, and to Harold Bray…Happy Birthday my friend.
