Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad unveiled the country’s first-ever Gold Star Memorial train, which commemorates the fallen servicemen and women from the Iraq and Afghan wars. The passenger coach, which bears the names of every soldier, marine, sailor and airman who lost their lives while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, features Gold Star memorial emblems atop a patriotic image.

The Gold Star Memorial coach will travel thousands of miles across Massachusetts and Rhode Island as a reminder of all of our fallen heroes who gave their lives during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

“With so many veterans employed by the railroad, it is a privilege to operate this one-of-a-kind traveling memorial for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and their families” said MBCR GM Hugh J. Kiley Jr. “MBCR is honored to operate the memorial train across the MBTA commuter rail system.”

The new train coach was unveiled at ceremony at Boston’s South Station, with dignitaries from across the state on hand to salute the memorial. While roads and bridges are often named after armed service veterans, the launch of the first-ever memorial train coach is an extension of the transportation community's recognition of military service. More than 30,000 veterans have returned to Massachusetts from the Global War on Terror and Overseas Contingency Operation.