Voiture 333, Society of 40 men and 8 horses (40&8) invites all Missouri residents to join us in celebrating a historic event in Missouri’s history. On August 24, 2024 beginning at 11:00 am, at the Merci Train Boxcar on the Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, Missouri a celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of the Merci Train Boxcar will be held. The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association will be serving a free hamburger lunch open to the public in the Beef House across from the boxcar following the ceremony.

In response to the 1947 Freedom Train which was a donation of 270 boxcars of food, clothing and other needed supplies valued at over 40 million dollars from the citizens of the United States to the countries of Europe, most of which were delivered to France, a response of 49 boxcars of gifts from the citizens of France in the form of the Gratitude or Merci Train arrived in New York Harbor on February 3, 1949. One boxcar for each of the 48 states and one for combined Washington D. C. and Hawaii were filled with gifts from French individuals and families. Missouri’s boxcar arrived in Kansas City on February 12 and after a 2-day routing through Missouri, arrived in Jefferson City on February 14. Governor Forrest Smith received the boxcar and turned it over to the 40&8.

The boxcar remained in Jefferson City for a time and was moved to a site adjacent to the Grandstand on the Missouri State Fairgrounds in the early 1950s. It was later moved to its present site. Voiture 333 has been responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the boxcar since its arrival in Sedalia and in 2017-2018 a complete restoration was completed. This is one of 43 boxcars still remaining in the United States.

We look forward to showcasing the Boxcar in its present condition. Pictures of the history of the boxcar and of a few gifts from inside the boxcar will be on display. A flag-raising will begin the ceremony with words from dignitaries following.