One of 49 boxcars given to the American people by the citizens of France in thanks for aid rendered during and after World War II, this car had been used to haul military cargo during two world wars and was known for its capacity of forty men or eight horses. The Merci, or Gratitude, Train was assembled by French veterans, who decorated each car with the coats of arms of the provinces of France. On February 12, 1949, the citizens of Delaware formally welcomed the gift-laden car at a ceremony in Wilmington, followed by a statewide exhibition tour. The car is owned and maintained by the American Legion’s Society of the 40 and 8, Voiture number 1320.