Over the last couple of years, here in Parsons [a Union Pacific divcision point], we have lost several active railroaders. When the funeral processions were passing under the Main Street overpass for the Union Pacific here in the center of town, there has been a locomotive spotted on that overpass, and as the procession passed under, the engineer blew one final salute to his coworker.
My question is is this a practice that is wide spread?
I know the sounds of that whistle blast will make the hair on the back of your neck stand out, much like the playing of"Taps" at a military service.
I’ve personally not heard of any salute like that to fallen fellow employees that way.But I know of a true story that happened years ago here on the then Scioto Division,now Kenova district of the NS (N&W).
A conductor had his widow throw his ashes off the end of a moving caboose [angel] .
I don’t think I could ask,or would I want my wife to do that.
Thanks for the responses, I kinda thought that tributes would sort of be a random thing, occassional, but spur of the moment, but the above mentioned tributes by UP were planned and had to be approved in advance in order to be done with the style they were done with.
Around here {Parsons, Ks.} the UP has been a pretty good neighbor and certainly takes an interest in the community. We are looking forward to another “Katy Days” Coming up soon, Last year Union Pacific provided unit 1988 {Katy Heritage} for display, and tour…not to ention a pretty good show by their Mudchickens, current and former with tracklaying demos, some of them guys still swing a mean hammer!
Yea, she might not wait until they are turned to ashes. She might try it sooner.
It is a nice story though. Trains had a great story in the past year of a Milwaulkee train held for the body of a RR man being sent home. I may try to find it and post it.