06/11/2026
Sitting in Waverly, NY with my mom and Ozzie, waiting for a beautiful piece of history to come alive—release steam, ring the bell, and blow that unforgettable horn.
A huge part of me became nostalgic. Chills ran down my spine, and my eyes filled with tears. As a disabled veteran, the emotions ran even deeper. Standing there, I could almost feel and smell another time and place in American history. The steam, the steel, the power, the determination, and the spirit of a nation that built, moved, and connected a country.
I found myself thinking about why this magnificent beast was developed, what it carried, and the generations who depended upon it. The power it once commanded and the power it still possesses today is simply awe-inspiring. For a moment, I wasn't only watching history—I felt connected to it.
As we waited to capture B-roll footage of Ozzie and Big Boy, childhood memories came rushing back. I remembered placing pennies on railroad tracks and eagerly waiting to see what image would emerge after the train passed.
Well... today I placed a shiny 2020 penny on the rail.
Let's just say Big Boy did a whole lot more than flatten her! 😄
Now, while I wait to see Ozzie's finished sequence, here is some of the B-roll footage I captured. Be sure to check out the front and back of the penny and tell me what you see. 😊🚂💨🔔🇺🇸
Some moments remind us that history is not gone. It lives in the sights, sounds, smells, and memories that stir something deep within us. Today was one of those moments, and I am grateful to have experienced it with pride, patriotism, and a heart full of appreciation for those who came before us.
