Thursday, March 31, 2016

The Merci Train

We went over to Winooski today to tour the VT Military Museum with friends Pauline and Bob.  Paul wanted to see the Merci Train there.  After World War II, the people of France filled 50 boxcars, one for every state, DC and Hawaii, as a form of thanks for the US' help in ending the war.  Americans had also filled several boxcars with supplies for the French.  We first learned about the boxcars in Georgia at a Civil War and train museum in Kennesaw, and Paul wondered where Vermont's ended up.  The boxcar, which the French had used to move 40 men or 8 horses at a time during World Wars I and II, has been restored and houses an exhibit about World War I.  Here were are on the steps.
I imagine Paul's article will be in our local paper sometime soon, now that he has all the facts and some good photos.

It was a fun day despite chilly winds.  The museum had a lot to see, albeit a bit disorganized, and it is always good to see Pauline and Bob.  Lunch in a renovated woolen mill along the Winooski River was delicious, too.  It's so nice to be retired and just take off for a day of fun!

2 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I have never heard of that will have to check on the Arkansas car

Wacky Woman said...

Sounds like a fun day!

--Marilyn