Have you heard of the Freedom Trains? I hadn’t either. However, since I read an article about them in The Epoch Times, I plan to follow the year long celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, culminating on July 4 of 2026. Included in the festivities will be the restoration of the American Freedom Train, No.1, The cosmetic restoration started this June and is expected to be completed by December.
The First Freedom Train sought to rekindle patriotism in our country in the wake of WWII, to reinforce that the nation’s sacrifices had not been in vain. It contained 100 priceless artifacts such as Thomas Jefferson’s draft of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Emancipation Proclamation.
The First Freedom Train was painted red, white, and blue and was seven cars long. It was christened in Philadelphia in September of 1947 as America’s best weapon against communism. From Philadelphia it visited more than 300 cities in the contiguous 48 states. U.S. Marines protected it day and night.
The Bicentennial American Freedom Train took to the rails from 1 April 1975 to 31 December 1976.
This 26-car train, the “Spirit of 76” carried 500 items such as a lunar rover, a replica of the Liberty Bell, Judy Garland’s dress from “the Wizard of Oz” and even a moon rock. It traveled more than 17,000 miles visiting roughly 76 cities in the 48 contiguous states.
Maybe the third Freedom Train, “Spirit of 2026” will come to the Springs. To quote the Times, “The restored locomotive will symbolize the continuity of the Freedom Train’s mission” ….. “From postwar inspiration to the bicentennial’s celebration of shared heritage, these trains have transcended mere exhibits, becoming rolling ambassadors of democracy and shared identity.” Unquote. What better way to celebrate the 250* birthday of the United States of America than to celebrate its great past.