RailNews

Union Pacific Takes Part in Bush Funeral Procession

Union Pacific Railroad will take an honored role in the funeral procession for President George H.W. Bush, who died on November 30 at age 94. Following services in Washington, D.C., and Houston, Bush will be transported by the funeral train from Spring to College Station, Texas, on December 6. Leading the somber special will be UP 4141, decorated to honor the 41st President and dedicated to Bush in 2005. The unit had been in storage at North Little Rock, Ark., since 2012. Also leading the consist will be UP 1943, “The Spirit,” in tribute to the President’s service as a Navy pilot in World War II. The tradition of presidential funeral trains began in 1841 with the passing of Willliam Henry Harrison. The most recent funeral train was operated for Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1969.

—Railfan & Railroad

This article was posted on: December 3, 2018