Star Spangled Rails Banquet

The convention banquet was held immediately following the NRHS and R&LHS Meet the Officers Reception. The banquet began at 7 p.m. on Thursday July 3rd in the Wyndham Hotel. Attendees had their choice of three entrees including: prime rib, chicken saltimbocca or vegetarian lasagna. The banquet was well attended with over 400 NRHS and R&LHS members present.

NRHS members Ray Cooney, Les Dean and Pat Purcell enjoy dining with other members of the NRHS and R&LHS at the banquet.

The banquet speaker was Gilbert O. Mallery, Amtrak's Vice-President Business Development. He spoke of the current state of Amtrak and the need for investment in critical infrastructure in order for Amtrak to continue operating. A presentation of an NRHS Heritage Grant Award to the B&O Museum in the amount of $3,000. The award will assist the B&O Museum in recovering from the collapse of their roundhouse earlier this year. Bob Bitzer, Star Spangled Rails Convention Chairman, addressed the crowd and thanked many of the people resposible for the sucessfull operation of the convention. He also thank all those that supported the convention by attending.

Greg Molloy, NRHS President addresses the crowd. He thanked various members responsible for a sucessful convention as well as recognizing several members of the Bulletin staff in attendance.