Ann Whelan O'Connor reported that France sent a boxcar filled with gifts to each of the United States after WWII, in gratitude for our efforts and sacrifices in the liberation of their country.

On Saturday, June 9, 2001, Bobbi Leonard took her grandson, Trey to see Tennessee's boxcar, to give him a lasting history lesson about our fathers' sacrifices for our country.

Note in the inset the familiar "Hommes 40 and Chevaux 8," which designates the boxcar large enough for 40 men -- or 8 horses.

Bobbi Leonard at the Tennessee Merci Boxcar, on permanent display at the American Legion, Hackler Post #145, Bristol, TN, because Bristol raised more funds than any town in Tennessee when the U.S. sent $40 Million in supplies to war-ravaged France.

Ronald Stephen Range, III (Trey) at the Tennessee Merci Boxcar in Bristol, TN. Trey is the great-grandson of SGT Samuel Murray Bowers, Sr., and grandson of Bobbi Bowers Range Leonard.