“Merci” Train …continued from page 15 several glass cases display some of the French gifts. New Mexico’s original Merci Train boxcar fell into disrepair and became a storage shed at the New Mexico State Fairgrounds. A replacement boxcar was purchased from the French national railroad, and then restored by a group of dedicated volunteers, including Frenchspeaking New Mexicans in 1989.
Photo of a 40 and 8 commemorative medal which belonged to Diana Stauffer's grandfather, who was a 40 and 8 Society member and officer during WWI. Photo by Diana Stauffer.
Today, it is proudly exhibited inside the entrance to Expo New Mexico along with its forlorn predecessor. In November during the Veterans Day weekend, in observance of the 100th anniversary of the end of WWI, the two boxcars will be rededicated in honor of our French allies and all American veterans, but especially those who experienced the 40s and 8s during their military service. Though mostly a forgotten event that was celebrated enthusiastically nationwide in 1949, the Forty and Eight boxcar remains a symbol of the special, on-going affection between historic allies who are two of the world’s oldest democracies. Anyone with first-hand memories of the Merci Train is encouraged to email Diana Stauffer at: djs2rad@sprintmail.com
Democratic member control Unlike investor-owned electric utilities, our rural electric association is governed by a representative from each of our 43 member electric distribution cooperatives and public power districts. They each share the leadership of our association to power the potential of more than 1 million consumer-members like you.
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