Dear Educator:

Welcome to the 1999 educational fall program The Merci Train...The Friendship Carries On.  Many of you have participated in our programs in the past and for those of you who have not, I am glad to have you join us this year.

As in our previous projects, you will find this curriculum full of information regarding the historical significance of the Merci Train boxcar and the importance of student involvement in the National WWII Memorial in Washington.

In speaking with the Old State Capitol staff, I was sharing many stories that related to Louisiana veterans. Veterans that we need to continue to remember and the price they paid for ensuring our democracy.  The best way for this generation of students to say thank you to what is now called "The Greatest Generation" is for them to learn as much as they can about democracy, support and friendship between nations and then to actively participate in the National WWII Memorial portion of this project.

Currently, our state is 1 of 11 who have not yet committed funding for Louisiana's participation in this memorial.  It is required that each state provide $1 for every WWII veteran who served from their state, bringing the Louisiana total to $278,000.  As stated before, this is a wonderful opportunity for our students to realize and appreciate what our veterans gave to guarantee our freedom.  As a way of appropriately thanking our WWII veterans, we are asking each student to contribute individually or to organize fundraising drives so that our Louisiana veterans can be included in this national memorial.

All of the details for this project can be found in the curriculum and please don't hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or need any assistance.  A toll free number has been installed for your use, 1-800-488-2968.

I again thank you for joining Louisiana's Old State Capitol for supporting these projects in the "Year of the Veteran".

                                                                             Sincerely,
                                                              
                                                                             Fox McKeithen