Renovation Committee: James Burdette, V-1087 Įrected 1997 by La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux. La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux - 40 & 8 Several other Merci Boxcars are still on display today and are identified not only as gifts from France, but as a visible symbol of one of America’s most valuable Veterans Community Action Groups. Va., on June 6th (D-Day) 1996 and taken to the McDowell County Vocational School where it was renovated. In 1994 the boxcar was found in South Charleston in an open field, with very little wood left and the metal badly rusted. Our boxcar was allowed to deteriorate and the gifts scattered with but a few ending up in the West Virginia State Museum. Shipbox car plus#The shields depicting each of the 40 provinces of France, were added and one car was sent to each state capitol plus one to Washington D.C. In return, the French War Veterans selected 49 boxcars and filled them with sculptures, paintings, wine, perfumes, and other priceless French gifts. This was accomplished through a private relief effort of individuals from every part of America. Earlier in 19 the United States had sent food, clothing, and medical supplies totaling over 40 million dollars to France. The cars, known as The French Gratitude or Merci Train, was the French peoples grateful response to America’s earlier aid to this war-stricken country. This boxcar is one of 49 sent to this country as gifts of appreciation. Printed on its side is “Hommes 40 – Chevaux 8” referring to its holding capacity of forty men or eight horses. It was one of many used during World War I and World War II to haul troops and supplies to and from the front lines. K -134980 was given to the people of West Virginia by the people of France on 2/7/49. , La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux, 40 and 8, Renovation Committee: James Burdette, V-1087. , Several other Merci Boxcars are still on display today and are identified not only as gifts from France, but as a visible symbol of one of America’s most valuable Veterans Community Action Groups. , Our boxcar was allowed to deteriorate and the gifts scattered with but a few ending up in the West Virginia State Museum. , In return, the French War Veterans selected 49 boxcars and filled them with sculptures, paintings, wine, perfumes, and other priceless French gifts. , This boxcar is one of 49 sent to this country as gifts of appreciation.
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