Lone Sailor Statue Overlooks Muliple Locations

The sculpture, Lone Sailor stands outside of the Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum in Waterloo, Iowa (above.) I saw this bronze last weekend during Memorial Day. It reminded me of the same statue (below) that I discovered in Norfolk, Virginia three years ago which overlooks the Iowa class battleship, USS Wisconsin.

The naval connection between Waterloo and the sea have been many for a landlocked state in the middle of North America. But the main reason is in memorial for five brothers who all served on the same light cruiser during World War II. The USS Juneau was sunk during a Pacific battle. All five Sullivan brothers from Waterloo died in that action. Their story can be found here.  

About a dozen Lone Sailors can be found throughout the US - see list here. 

Living Memorial Day at Waterloo's Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum

Memorial Day 2012 consisted of tributes to those who gave their lives for freedom. Parades, speeches and cemetery visits are typical ways to participate in the national annual remembrance. On this day the 42N team trekked to Waterloo, Iowa's Sullivan Brothers Iowa Veterans Museum. Among the visitors to the four year old museum of military artifacts and recorded stories was a Desert Storm/Shield vet.

She served in the US Army during Gulf War I helping to stage supplies along combat zones. The museum offers an opportunity for vets to be interviewed about their experiences on video or audio for others to learn about their contributions and observations of military service. When I asked if she had been interviewed, she answered no, but had added her name to the list of people waiting to be interviewed. Though not ready to fully discuss her experiences yet, she did however give us an outline about her time in active service.

While this former soldier looked young, she proudly admitted to being the grandmother of these two boys. Her other pride was this vintage 1990 t-shirt which she wore today. I think she described it as a R&R shirt that many soldiers received in theater. She hoped to donate it to the museum one day. 

Other veterans visited the museum today. I overheard an elderly women tell a wheel chaired women that she served in Korea during the conflict in the 1950s. Another older gentleman wore his militay cap and a chest full of ribbons while he talked to a small group of visitors. Today was for observing, listening and trying to understand the contribution from those who served. Know that. 

Switching Time on the Canadian National Railway

Its just the beginning of 2011. After a few centuries of the railroad experience one expects new technologies in every aspect of railroad yard operation - making it run efficent and effortlessly - or so it would seem. This Canadian National locomotive (number 2400) slowly moves towards and past 42N near the rail yard in Waterloo, Iowa in preparation of switching tracks. 
 

Note the three engine configuration is on the track closest to the photographer. It is still moving slowly from right to left.

 

As the train stops, a man appears from the opposite side of the locomotive and approaches a green and red switch in the foreground.

The switch man says hello to the 42N team and then unlocks the device.

Our neon glow switch man then physically pulls a level arm up from the locked position and positions it 90 degrees to the switch post.

He then pulls the arm from left to right. Mechanically this action moves a portion of the double rail track that will direct the locomotives to the next line. 

After the switch is in place the CN locomotives move back towards the rail yard for its next task. In this last photo the train is in the middle of the cross over manuever as it moves left to right - made possible by a switched track physically moved by one person. Within the 21st century there is still plenty of physical work performed to keep the rails moving. Know that.

Rath Feed Welcomes 42N

The Rath Packing Company ceased operations in 1985. While most of the company's local trading market was around 42N country, one can occasionally find Rath marketing stuff. Today this advertising clock sign was offered at auction in Iowa City. While I was not present when the item was sold, the sign was in pristine condition and should have fetched a nice prize. Besides, welcoming 42N does make the difference. Know that.