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JOIN US June 14, 2008 AS WE TRAVEL BACK IN TIME TO THE 1940's   Although this "Flag Day Troop Train" will be honoring some of our most recent war veterans just home from Iraq, we will still be "traveling back in time to the 40s" ... to a slower, gentler time aboard our vintage railcars ... celebrating America, our flag and our freedoms!
Since 1776, there have been those heroic Americans, willing to face tyranny in order to preserve freedom. Today, that tradition continues. These unyielding defenders of freedom are to be forever recognized for their selfless courage, bravery, and determination to eradicate those who would do our nation harm. Just as their Fathers and Grandfathers before them, they have proudly proclaimed their allegiance to America by swearing to defend her with their lives, if necessary, so we at home can retain our precious liberties. They carry on those rich military traditions, established through the sacrifices of the many generations before them. Duty, Honor, Country! They recognize all too well their obligation. Anything less would be to reject all those who have previously served, fought, and died in the defense of freedom. Once again, America’s uniformed troops are in harms way as they defend individual self-rule. Now, it’s our turn to recognize them, and the flag they serve. Join us as we Salute our Guests of Honor and Old Glory Throughout America’s colorful history, the “Stars and Strips” have symbolized Liberty throughout the land. We invite you to get on board for a flag waving good time, as we meet America’s best-- The brave men and women of our Armed Forces who serve under that symbol of freedom. We have invited several members of our armed forces who have recently returned from overseas. This is your opportunity to honor these young patriots; to hear their personal stories of success, to ask them questions, and to thank them for their service.  Photo above copyright Steve Crise. Other two photos © '05 Bill Lewis
Our Authentically uniformed staff await your arrival. The Porter is at your service, while our waiters tempt your taste-buds with mouth-watering hors d'oeuvres, scrumptious snacks, "vintage offerings," and old fashioned beverages. These delicious, fresh morsels are expertly prepared by our own on board chef. Behind the beautiful, quarter-circle bar, stands our Bartender, ready to dispense aromatic coffee, assorted teas, a variety of juices, and old-fashioned sodas. Our stalwart barber, extraordinaire, Earl Nickels, clips away in his first-class, railroad barbershop. The only operational example remaining in the world today. He is fearless while exercising the tonsorial arts, with train speeds up to 90 MPH! Our Stewardess/Nurse, Miss Emma Harrington is on duty, ready to assist the elderly, heat baby bottles, announce wayside points of interest, and possibly, provide a few moments of baby sitting to those young mothers traveling alone during these perilous times. And last but not least, is our courageous and courteous Conductor, Bill Hatrick, who faithfully executes the affairs of rail travel aboard our wonderful pocket streamliner, the San Diego Troop Train Express.
	Trip Highlights: Relive the 1940s streamliner travel era. Purchase coffee for only five cents and a premium soda for only two bits! Good old fashioned bunting, flags and celebrating. Listen to "Iraqi Freedom" Veterans as they share wartime experiences. Visit with W.W. II Re-enactors in period cillivian attire and military unifomrs. Enjoy Big Band music and old radio shows. See WW II propaganda posters. Enjoy some delicious foods from the War Years. Preserve this memory with a keepsake photo. (additional cost) Enjoy a fresh haircut aboard the last operating railroad barbershop car (additional cost) Have an old fashioned, flag-waving, good time. Prize for ticketed passenger wearing the best 1940s costume. Sorry-- Reenactors - not eligible. ~HIGHLIGHTS subject to change~
The only thing missing from our "time travel" are the long gone orange groves outside the windows of our speeding troop train! So, Bring the entire family, and climb aboard for our annual, "Flag Day Troop Train" Excursion
And lest we forget ... those brave souls who helped pave the way for the freedom we enjoy today ... every December we honor those who were present on that "day of Infamy" at Pearl Harbor with our Pearl Harbor Day Troop Train ... please consider joining us as we honor,... possibly for the last time (as these men and women are now in their golden years) members of the armed services who were eye witnesses to America's entry into W.W.II! Sign up today, as space is limited.
Schedule & Fare Information Regular Fare: $98.00 per person Roundtrip Child Fare (11 and under) half fare ($49.00) Schedule Options: Los Angeles to San Diego and return Southbound passengers have a choice of three options: Morning Turn (please note the "orange" schedule when you click on schedule) Evening Turn (please note the "violet" schedule when you click on schedule) Day in San Diego run (please note the "sky blue" schedule when you click on schedule) San Diego to Los Angeles and return Northbound passengers can enjoy a nice "Mid Day in Los Angeles" schedule (please note the brown schedule when you click on schedule) Click here for schedule Passengers may board at any regular Amtrak station. Space is limited. We encourage booking reservations early. Click here for printable sign up form.     *Child Fare is 5 - 12 years of age. This "vintage travel experience" is not recommended for those under 5) Maximum of two children fares per adult fare, please. You may board at any regular Amtrak station along the line... sorry, it's not possible to adjust the fare.   One Way Adult One Way Fare - $53.00 Child One Way Fare - $29.50     Important note about fares: Please note, the veterans are invited and honored guests, it is your patronage that allows us to say "Thank you" one more time. The re-enactors as well, are guests, aboard to add flavor and an educational experience to our presentation. But, all these "deadheads" (old railroad term referring to someone riding the train on a railroad pass ... for free) drastically cut capacity and place a heavier burden upon you, our cherished patrons. To you, our patrons who journey with us, we say,   "Thank you for joining our commemoration and helping us honor our veterans who helped guarantee the freedom we so enjoy here in America!"   Payment:   Please make checks payable to: Debbie Hatrick Send to: 2054 S. Halladay Street Santa Ana, California 92707-2904     Our cancellation policy:   A full refund is given if canceled for any reason 72 hours prior to your ride. If cancelled within 72 hours before departure, you may re-book to another date without penalty. Cancellations outside this policy and no-shows are not refunded. “God grants liberty only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend it” —   Daniel Webster Hurrah for the Red, White, and Blue!           I am very grateful to Mr. Bill Lewis, Untied States Navy, (Retired) who has tirelessly provided immeasurable help in many facets of our "Troop Train" operations. As producer of onboard festivities, he has made our trips both educational and entertaining as we strive to recognize the contributions of our past and present servicemen and women of the United States Armed Services. If you are a Southern California resident, you might be interested in his services as a special events/holiday decorating producer ... please see information below.