The Quest
This slice of history began with great celebration as the cars arrived and traveled across the country. Over the years, the story has mostly been lost. By taking on this quest, you can bring it back to life, as you share the story with all those you contact in the process. By 2010, there were seven people attempting to visit all 43 surviving Merci Train cars. This challenge earned the name "The Quest," and all seven people have since completed it. Because of this, many other people, such as lodging check-in folks and wait staff in restaurants, now have learned this story. Most have never heard it before. Each quest brings new life to the very special history of the Merci Train boxcars. Go for it!
Bob and Sharon McElroy
Start: 9/7/2004 - Finish: 10/18/2017
“What a pleasure and privilege it has been for us to help support and to see all of the French Merci Train boxcars, as well as to view so many precious gifts sent to the US by the French people.”
First visit: Mississippi
Last visit: Alabama
John and Sue Ann Irving
Start: 9/7/2004 - Finish: 8/22/2017
"We really love this slice of history. It was a joy to complete our quest to see all 43 of the remaining boxcars. It is a fun challenge and very rewarding. Go for it and join this list!”
First visit: Mississippi
Last visit: Idaho
John and Sue Stevens
Start: 4/9/2005 (John) 9/15/2005 (Sue)- Finish: 7/02/2017
"It's not about the destination, but the journey."
First visit: Arizona (John) Pennsylvania (Sue)
Last visit: Kansas (John) Oklahoma (Sue)
Earl Bennet Sr.
Start: Fall of 1994 - Finish: 2/2012
From Earl's book: "It is my sincere hope that your reading of this book will bring you much enjoyment and help you to better understand the circumstances and values that resulted in the unselfish acts of the peoples of both America and France during the years following World War Two. I believe the attitudes of compassion and gratitude are sadly lacking in the world in which we live today. It is my hope that my reporting of the exercise of those qualities by people of the middle 20th century will inspire people of today to look for opportunities to promote the welfare of others."
First visit: Idaho
Last visit: Hawaii