SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Union Pacific
paid tribute to the United States
armed forces by unveiling UP No. 1943 The Spirit Locomotive at
San Antonio's Sunset Station
today. Only the 16th commemorative locomotive presented
in Union Pacific's 155-year history, UP No. 1943's arrival was
welcomed by a group of veterans to kick off its Salute to the
Military Tour, a series of community displays across Union
Pacific's network.
Military Salute Military Tour schedule available at
https://www.up.com/aboutup/special_trains/commemorative/1943-spirit/index.htm#3
UP No.1943 spotlights Union Pacific's relationship with
thousands of veterans who helped build America after defending
the United States - a tradition
dating back to the company's founding. Created in collaboration
with Union Pacific veterans, the locomotive name is connected to a
Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress funded by war bond contributions from
Union Pacific employees in 1943. The plane was christened The
Spirit of the Union Pacific and assigned to the 571st
Bomber Squadron. The Spirit of the Union Pacific was shot down on
its fifth mission during a raid on enemy installations in Munster,
Germany.
"Union Pacific is proud to honor veterans and the men and women
bravely serving our country with a special locomotive representing
every armed forces branch reflected in its symbolic design," said
Scott Moore, senior vice president –
Corporate Relations. "Beginning today, UP No. 1943 The Spirit's
mission is to salute them as it leads trains carrying America's
goods across our network every day."
The Spirit's front is symbolic of Air Force Silver, and the blue
stripe is a reflection of the former Strategic Air Command's "nose
sash." The lettering inside the sash is the original hand-drawn
font used on the B-17. It is followed by the Coast Guard's "Racing
Stripe" and the Navy's Battleship Gray, which frames Union
Pacific's traditional American flag. The military camouflage is a
nod to the Army and Marines.
As the train passes by, the final message on the tail is
dedicated to U.S. prisoners of war and those missing in action,
featuring the POW/MIA symbol and its motto, "You Are Not
Forgotten."
More than 20 percent of Union Pacific's employees have military
experience, with some actively serving in the National Guard or
Reserves. The company was recognized in the Best Companies for
Veterans top 10 list, compiled by monster.com and military.com, for
the second year in a row last year.
ABOUT UNION PACIFIC
Union Pacific Railroad is the principal operating company of
Union Pacific Corporation (NYSE: UNP). One of America's most
recognized companies, Union Pacific Railroad connects 23 states in
the western two-thirds of the country by rail, providing a critical
link in the global supply chain. In the last 10 years, 2007-2016,
Union Pacific invested approximately $34
billion in its network and operations to support America's
transportation infrastructure. The railroad's diversified business
mix is classified into its Agricultural Products, Energy,
Industrial and Premium business groups. Union Pacific serves many
of the fastest-growing U.S. population centers, operates from all
major West Coast and Gulf Coast ports to eastern gateways, connects
with Canada's rail systems and is
the only railroad serving all six major Mexico gateways. Union Pacific provides value
to its roughly 10,000 customers by delivering products in a safe,
reliable, fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible
manner.
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SOURCE Union Pacific