Tour of Honor

Merci Train Cars

The “Merci Train,” or “Gratitude Train,” was a gift from the people of France to the people of the United States in appreciation for the Friendship Food Train that Americans sent to war-torn Europe in 1947. In 1949, France sent 49 World War I era boxcars to the United States — one for each state at the time, with one shared between Washington, DC and the Territory of Hawaii, as Alaska and Hawaii were not yet states.

Each boxcar was filled with gifts from the citizens of France as a gesture of gratitude and friendship. The boxcars were known as the “40 et 8,” meaning “40 men or 8 horses,” referring to the capacity of the small railcars that had transported troops during World War I.

When the boxcars arrived in 1949, many states toured their car around the state so citizens could view the gifts and messages of thanks from the people of France before the cars were placed on permanent display. Today, these historic boxcars remain as symbols of friendship between France and the United States.

Of the original 49 boxcars, 43 are known to have survived and are preserved in parks, museums, fairgrounds, and veterans’ organizations across the country. Some cars are currently undergoing restoration or relocation. The Utah car is currently under restoration and awaiting transportation back to Utah for display.

The Challenge

The challenge is to locate and photograph preserved Merci Train boxcars. Only one credit will be scored per site.

Tour of Honor Merci Train Finisher Levels

Bronze – 10 different Merci Train Cars
Silver – 20 different Merci Train Cars
Gold – 30 different Merci Train Cars

Photo Requirements

Each submission must include:

The qualifying Merci Train Car
Your motorcycle
Rider flag (and passenger if applicable)
Enough background to identify the location or a geotag-enabled photo

If the motorcycle cannot be included in the same photo, submit a second photo showing the motorcycle and rally flag in nearby designated parking.

Parking or riding on sidewalks or lawns is not permitted unless specifically authorized by local law enforcement or memorial caretakers.

Important Notes

Only one credit will be scored per location.
Some locations may have access restrictions such as museums, military installations, cemeteries, or limited visiting hours. Riders are responsible for determining access before visiting.
Photos of buildings, gates, or restricted areas when access to the railcar is not available are not eligible for scoring.
Riders are encouraged to report restored, relocated, or previously undocumented Merci Cars for inclusion in the Tour of Honor list.

GPX File

Revised 4/17/2026