Shortly after World War ll, one of of the largest displays of gratitude arrived on our shores and few people know of it.
It was early February of 1949 when a merchant ship entered New York’s harbor. In her hold were forty-nine boxcars filled with gifts of thanks from the French people to the citizens of the United States. Still recovering from Nazi occupation, many of the French had only personal items to send. Children gave toys, families their heirlooms, veterans their medals of honor; each gift was heart-felt and given with care.
More than just gifts, the train was a symbol of affection between people of two nations-not the governments but the people themselves in acknowledgement of a relationship that developed during most difficult times.
Boxcar Memories is a one hour documentary (currently in production) which through letters attached to the gifts, archival images, interviews and
animated reenactments, brings to life the historic and moving journey of the Gratitude Train.
