National Train Day is an event that falls each year during the month of May here in the United States.
National Train Day marks the 143rd anniversary of the creation of the nation's first transcontinental railroad. On May 10, 1869, in Promontory Summit, Utah, the 'golden spike' was driven into the final tie that joined 1,776 miles of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railways, forever transforming the face and character of America.
National Train Day is back to celebrate train travel and the ways trains touch the lives of people across America. May 12, 2012, will be the day where train stations and other venues across the country, host activities and exhibits that highlight the past, present and future of trains and travel. Amtrak will host major events in New York, Philadelphia, Chicago and Los Angeles with free live entertainment and activities for both children and adults: interactive and educational exhibits, model train displays and tours of Amtrak equipment, and notable private railroad cars - just to name a few!
The 'rail way' comes to life for attendees, as well as those participating online and through social media. Only on a train do we see more of the world around us, and live more of the experiences we have when we discover the 'rail way'. Look out your window. What do you see? Look around the car. Who do you see? It's all part of the journey. Join in the celebration by attending a National Train Day event near you, or submit your photos, videos and stories to the National Train Day Gallery, and enter for a chance to win great prizes.
Let the journey begin!
I hope you'll be taking a train ride somewhere this weekend to celebrate National Train Day on May 12th! I'm taking a ride aboard Amtrak to see my mother this weekend for Mother's Day. Nothing is more exciting than enjoying a relaxing ride on a train. I truly enjoy viewing the scenery pass by before me and of course, reading a book throughout my journey.
Speaking of trains, do you have a favorite book that pertains to trains or features a train within its storyline?
I'm fond of Agatha Christie's mystery novel, Murder on the Orient Express! I've been a fan of Agatha Christie's writing for many years now and enjoyed reading this particular book where murder takes place aboard a train.
I'm pretty sure I've read more than one book featuring a train, but the only one that comes to mind right now is Anna Karenina.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to read Anna Karenina, but have always been intimidated by its length! So, I've put off reading this novel. How did you like reading Anna Karenina?
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