The Merci Boxcar

An original French boxcar marked 40 Homme et 8 Chevaux, meaning it held 40 men and 8 horses or mules, was used by American troops traveling to and from battle in World War I and World War II, often for days without bathroom facilities and under cramped sleeping conditions. The plaques on it represent the French provinces. A boxcar used in the First World War was presented by the French National Railroads to the state of Missouri in gratitude for the help given to France by the American people. The veterans' organization La Societe of 40 men and 8 horses took its name from these cars and is known simply as the 40 and 8; since 1923 its creed has been "One Nation under God with One Flag and One Language," and its main tasks are scholarships for student nurses and child welfare.

Sedalia, Missouri · United States