A Peabody moment
I have to tell you that one of the best reasons in the world for living in a small town — especially this one — was brought home Friday. Several hundred people lined Plum Street to watch an historic Union Pacific steam engine with passenger cars roll to a stop just about where the former Rock Island depot probably stood decades ago.
Soldiers from Fort Riley were passengers on the train, honored guests of the Union Pacific. Some of the soldiers were injured, some just back from fighting in the Middle East, some with families, some alone. Several disembarked when the train stopped. They moved among the school children, American Legion color guard, and townspeople to shake hands and be photographed, welcomed, and thanked.
It appeared that all our students, K-12, were on hand. There were posters and signs and kids in patriotic colors. Excitement was high, but everyone's behavior was exemplary. Townspeople milled about with cameras and flags. Since we later appeared on the front page of the Wichita Eagle, there must have been some representatives of the BIG media on hand as well. Off to the north, several people waved from the overpass above the tracks.
Our high school football team, all in blue jerseys, lined up along the track. Team members were holding American flags brought to the site by Peabody American Legion members. It was a pure Americana image, like a photo in Life magazine.
As more soldiers made their way off the train, the Warrior band played the National Anthem. The American Legion color guard stood at attention in front of the row of flags. Hands went over hearts; the soldiers saluted the flags. A dark-headed boy with glasses standing in front of me smacked his buddy on the shoulder and then yanked the boy's cap off his head and hissed, "Get that off." Chins quivered and tears welled. When the anthem ended, the kids went right into "God Bless the USA" and there were more handshakes, more pictures, more tears, and even some hugs.
The train was scheduled to be in Peabody for 10 minutes. It seemed to fly by in seconds. I almost didn't cover it because I knew the train would be in Marion also and I figured someone up at that office could get a generic picture we could run this week
However, this was one of those things that turned out to be a "Peabody moment." I didn't think it would be a big event and if I hadn't gone I would not have known what I missed. But I did go and the episode has nudged around at the back of my mind since Friday morning. It was great!
As I write this it is the eve of the sixth anniversary of 9/11. That is a topic that will be covered well this week by the really notable opinion writers. However, I had an experience last week they didn't have. My community and I turned out — and I mean we really turned out — for some men and women to whom we all owe a debt of gratitude.
I was proud to stand there with all of you. It was a good moment in our lives.
— SUSAN MARSHALL
