Today at City Hall starting at 11:00 AM, the Volusia 40 & 8 Voture 294 will hold a Merci Boxcar Ceremony at the Boxcar located near the tennis courts. This is open to the public and we hope that you can join us.
Here is some history regarding the Merci Boxcar:
The Gratitude Train
In 1948, the country of France sent The Gratitude Train, also known as the Merci Train, to the United States as a thank you for the Friendship Train the US had sent the year prior.
The Friendship Train was the United States effort to show goodwill to the people in France and Italy as they recovered from the aftermath of World War II. This train was driven across the country, collecting food, clothing and other essential items. The Friendship Train ended up consisting of three separate trains with a total of 270 boxcars. Each boxcar was filled to brim with the vital necessities needed to begin recovery in these war-torn countries.
Each package contained the following message written in French and Italian: "All races and creeds make up the vast melting pot of America, and in a democratic and Christian spirit of good will toward men, we, the American people, have worked together to bring this food to your doorsteps, hoping that it will tide you over until your own fields are again rich and abundant with crops."
As a sign of appreciation, the people of France created the Gratitude Train. This train consisted of 49 boxcars that were filled with gifts as a thank you to the Americans who came to their rescue. Those boxcars are now on display in each of the first 48 states and one is in Washington, D.C. Florida's boxcar is located next to the Holly Hill City Hall.
Lunch will follow at the American Legion Post 120 located at 461 Walker Street, Holly Hill and they are kindly asking for a $10 donation.