Published: May 16, 2009 10:53 pm      

Event set for Memorial Day weekend

With Memorial Day Weekend a few days away, the Texas State Railroad and local veterans groups and history buffs are offering families the chance to step back in time as they celebrate the holiday.

The Texas State Railroad is hosting the annual Armed Forces Memorial Day Weekend event at the Palestine Depot, featuring historical re-enactors from the Revolutionary War period up to the present, military displays, rides on a Huey helicopter and rides on a special military train, complete with re-enactors in period uniforms.

The events are free to the public, but charges apply to rides on the train and on the helicopter.

The Huey helicopter is sponsored by the Veterans Historic Education Center in Palestine, with paid rides available.

In addition, Tom and Jan Townsend of Rusk will have on display several of their military vehicles and armament, and booths will be set up selling food, military memorabilia and T-shirts.

The annual event is held to honor the men and women who have and are currently serving the United States in uniform.

Events begin Friday when a military armament train arrives at the Palestine Depot at 10:30 a.m., military re-enactors begin to set up camp and the Huey helicopter arrives to begin offering rides.

On Saturday, the colors will be posted at 10 a.m., with the steam engine arriving from Rusk at 12:30 p.m. Special $10 military train rides with the diesel engine will be offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., and paid helicopter rides will be offered throughout the day. 

In addition, living history exhibits and military equipment will be on display throughout the day, with a mock battle during the afternoon.

On Sunday, a Memorial Day ceremony and 21-gun salute will be held at 10 a.m., with military train rides available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and the steam train will arrive from Rusk at 12:30 p.m. Paid helicopter rides will be available throughout the day.

The ceremony will consist of an honor guard and 21-gun salute provided by members of Chapter 991 of the Vietnam Veterans of America. Unit 63 of the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary will lay a wreath and play Taps, according to DAV chapter commander Gordon Brett.

“This solemn occasion is in recognition of our men and women who gave their life in support of their country while on active duty in the armed forces,” Brett said. “We will read the names of those who made this ultimate sacrifice from Anderson County, going back to World War I.”

Also, on Monday, the Texas State Railroad is offering a special Memorial Day train ride with military re-enactors on board, departing the Palestine Depot at 11 a.m., turning around at the Maydelle Turntable and returning at 1:30 p.m. to Palestine. Lunch is included with the ticket price, which is the regular diesel price. Cost is $36.50 for adults for general seating or $39.50 for adults for climate-controlled seating; $19 for children ages 3-11 for general seating and $21 for children in climate-controlled seating.

For more information, call 1-888-987-2461 or visit online at www.texasstaterr.com. For more information regarding helicopter rides, call 903-723-1578.

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Beth Foley may be contacted via e-mail at bfoley@palestineherald.com