"Show-Me" state shows railroad appreciation

UTU’s Missouri State Legislative Director W. Larry Foster (left) receives a special proclamation from Gov. Mel Carnahan declaring Monday, October 16, 2000, as Railroad Recognition Day. Participating in the ceremony (right) is George Wisdom, vice president of the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees, Inc.

The state of Missouri is expressing its appreciation of the contributions made by rail workers and the railroads to its communities and economy by declaring Monday, October 16, 2000, as Railroad Recognition Day. Missouri State Legislative Director W. Larry Foster met with Missouri Gov. Mel. Carnahan and George Wisdom, vice president of the National Association of Retired and Veteran Railway Employees, Inc. (NARVRE), on October 5 for a special ceremony in which a proclamation was issued by the governor urging the state’s citizens to pause and reflect on the vital role the rail industry plays in their lives. The document notes the historic role of the rail network in Missouri, calls attention to the industry’s contributions to the state’s economic well-being, and singles out rail workers as the key to the state’s competitive ability in the global marketplace.

The proclamation issued by Gov. Carnahan reads:

WHEREAS, the railroad has a proud history in the State of Missouri; and

WHEREAS, as the railroad system developed a network throughout our state, new towns and cities arose, jobs were created, Missouri's resources entered a larger marketplace and our citizens enjoyed an influx of exciting and beneficial products; and

WHEREAS, the railroad continues to make significant contributions to our state's economic stability and is crucial to the prosperity of countless Missouri businesses; and

WHEREAS, from the day the first railroad spike was driven, railroad workers have kept Missouri moving and have enabled our state to become a major participant in both the American and global marketplaces:

NOW, THEREFORE, I MEL CARNAHAN, GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF MISSOURI, do hereby proclaim October 16, 2000, to be

RAILROAD RECOGNITION DAY

in Missouri and urge all citizens to appreciate the vital role our railroad system plays in our state.

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Missouri, in the City of Jefferson, this 27th day of September, 2000.

Signed by Governor Mel Carnahan

Attest: Secretary of State Rebecca McDowell Cook

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