La Societe des Quarante Hommes et Huit Chevaux Grand Voiture du Texas OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND du TEXAS, THE FORTY et EIGHT Winner of the Arthur McDowell Award 1991 – 1992 – 1993 – 1994 – 1995 – 1996 for the Best Grand Voiture Publication in the Nation without Advertising
January 2014 From the Grand Chef… I would like to first extend my sincere THANKS to everyone who has supported me during the recent passing of my father. This event was complicated upon my return to Texas as I developed pneumonia and ended up being hospitalized for a few days. Plans to move the boxcar are progressing and we can expect the boxcar to be moved for some minor renovations around the first week of February and then into the museum for the Grand Opening. Remember to register for the Spring Cheminot and make your hotel reservations! We have very few ads for the Spring Cheminot program book. Each locale was also sent information to place a separate ad request for the Grand Opening Program Book. I would expect each locale would like to support this and individuals are also welcome to place an ad. See the website for more details. Please ensure all members who do not have or regularly use email are given a copy of the TVN. I have spoken to several who do not regularly use the computer and the word has not been getting out to them. This is the responsibility of each locale.
CONSUL GENERAL OF FRANCE AMONG VIPs FOR THE MERCI BOXCAR GRAND OPENING The grand opening for the Texas Merci Boxcar Exhibit is set for February 23, 2014 shortly after our 65th Annual Pilgrimage to the Merci Boxcar. This time the boxcar will be back at Camp Mabry and several honored guests will attend. The Keynote Speaker is Medal of Honor recipient Michael E. Thornton. You will see him highlighted on the front page of the Grande du Texas website at: www.texasboxcar.org. French Consul General Surjio Seam from Houston has also graciously accepted our invitation to attend. Other VIPS will include Past American Legion National Commander John Brieden III, Chef de Chemin de Fer Passe Jerry Brady, Sous Chef de Chemin de Fer Ron Wheeler, American Legion Department Commander Jim Fleming, VFW State Commander Sylvia Sanchez, and Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell. I hope each locale will send representatives to this event as we expect to get some good media coverage for the Grand Opening and the more Voyageurs Militaire who are there the better. Don’t forget to make your reservations NOW!
David Knutson Grand Chef de Gare
VISIT THE GRANDE DU TEXAS WEBSITE AT WWW.TEXASBOXCAR.ORG
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