All tracks were cleared for a special train of commemoration which marked the gathering of Long Island Rail Road notables and local historians riding to the Imperial Manor at Hicksville for the retirement party of David D. Morrison, on July 23. The honoree was closing a transportation career of 25 years of outstanding service. The master of ceremonies for the fete was James Brady, a stationmaster for Hicksville and an old friend.

The retiring branch line manager for the Oyster Bay-Port Jefferson-Montauk line had a long, distinguished record with the Long Island Rail Road showing encompassing leadership and versatility as a research analyst, supervisor of labor relations, terminal manager of the Flatbush Avenue Station, and district manager of passenger services.

Dave was a great railroad official, but more dear to many hearts was his enthusiastic leadership of the Long Island Rail Road Historical Society, an avocational interest which brought him into productive, joyous contact with many local historians.

His best known historical preoccupation has been the history of the handsome carved Roman eagles which adorned the exterior of the late great lamented New York City Pennsylvania Railroad Station. This writer and his many friends among historical buffs in Hicksville recall the always-genial exuberant Morrison's efforts to sustain the public's awareness and concern for the Hicksville Pennsylvania Station eagle. The statue was obtained by Hicksville High School Latin teacher, Samuel Goldberg and the students of his Latin club in 1965 when the great NY city station was demolished and the Roman eagle statuary was disappearing to the four winds.

In 1990, Dave Morrison led the Rail Road Historical Society and Hicksville High School in marking the 25th Anniversary of the coming of the pink granite eagle to Hicksville with a colorful program at station plaza. In 1994, he took part in the National Westminster Bank's exhibit of Edward Bady's photographs of the celebration of the railroad's 30th anniversary. Morrison was always happy working with such Hicksville historical groups as the Public Library, Gregory Museum and Hicksville Historical Society.

During the 350th Anniversary of the Robert Williams Land Purchase, in 1998, he was an active member of the commemorative steering committee. His particular project involved the restoration of the beak on the Roman eagle, which had broken off sometime over the years.

Among the local and transportation historians present to honor David at his retirement dinner were Mrs. Ronnie Cornett of the Railroad Museum; Ms. Janet Elderkin, Community Leader, St. James. LI restoration; Gary Forbash, president of the Steam Locomotive 35 committee; Mrs. Janet Galante, mayor of the Incorporated Village of Roslyn; Miss Dorothy Horton McGee, historian, Town of Oyster Bay; Ms. Joanne Raia, town clerk, Huntington; Mark Watson, director of education, transit museum; Richard Evers, historian and past president Hicksville Historical Society.