WASHINGTON (AP) - Amtrak is celebrating its 40th birthday with a year-long celebration that begins this week.

Continue reading

Gladys Knight kicks off the festivities Thursday with a concert at New York City's Beacon Theatre. She'll also perform Saturday at Union Station in Washington.

Amtrak is calling Saturday "National Train Day," and the rail carrier is holding other events in cities nationwide, including Chicago, Los Angeles and Philadelphia.

The Washington event will be the starting point for a nationwide tour of a 40th anniversary "exhibit train." It includes two locomotives and three renovated baggage cars displaying historic advertising. An Amtrak Bistro car will be used for exhibits and retail sales.

---
Online:
http://www.nationaltrainday.com