Ft. Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania

[sksvlad]

A National Guard of Pennsylvania base, with open access, but parts are under military police control and required DoD ID cards. Has a museum, but it is closed now, maybe next time. Notice an interesting gift from a French town of Saint-Avold. It is a railroad car, a cattle or men transporter. I wonder if there is a meaning to this gift. I realise that there must have been not much left after fighting in this town situated in an area historically contested by Germany and France.

 

[M8owner]

There is another French WWI railroad car at Camp Perry, OH. I believe France gifted several such cars to the US.

 

[ordnance]

The rail cars are known as 40 and 8s because they were intended to haul 40 men or 8 horses. The French government gave 49 of them to America after WWI as a thank you for our assistance to France in the war. One went to each state and, I think, one to Washington, DC to share with the Hawaiian territory. I know we still have our box car here in Oregon.

 

[M8owner]

While I am not a big fan of what France has done with itself since WWII, I do believe they have a special relationship with the United States. We have both saved each other multiple times through out history. And, I, for one, will never forget that this great country would not be here today without them. No matter what, I will always vote that we come help France when it is in need.

I will talk about my feelings on the UK at another time. I like you guys, but it is not the same even though I am half Scotch/Irish.

 

[Jb4046]

Scotch is a drink my friend. I think Scottish is what you meant. Keep that in mind before you start speaking about the U.K.....

source- I am Scottish

 

[M8owner]

Two countries separated by a common language. (I have no idea what you are trying to communicate.) However, I am thinking you did not like my comment. So, my friend, please allow me to be clear - even though Scotland aided the English in the war to keep my country subjugated - I bear you no ill will. But, given the choice, I have more fond feelings for France.

 

[sksvlad]

Joke (I use jokes to resolve uncomfortable situations)

A British gentleman in a black suit and a kettle hat is sitting in a moving railroad coach reading Daily Telegraph newspaper obscuring his face. The door slides open and an American guy plops himself in front of the Brit. The British gentleman keeps on reading without looking at the new arrival.
The American says: "You know what a problem you Brits have? You are all snobs. Look at me, I am quarter Greek, quarter Russian, quarter French and quarter Scottish. What do you think about that?"
The British gentleman lowers the newspaper, looks at the American and says: "How sporting of your mother".

 

[Jb4046]

I don’t intend to cause an argument. I certainly didn’t say what country you should like over an other cause of support during the civil war. Love France all you want. Just you said you’re Scotch....

that is incorrect. You get scotch whiskey, beef and burgers. But not Scotch people. I was just trying to correct you so that in the future you may say Scottish to people and finally stop this American habit of saying “Scotch” . It’s a running joke in Scotland to mock an American saying he has Scotch heritage since they never learnt the actual word. So please on behalf of all Scottish people. Say Scottish!!!


if Americans on forums get angry when people say “japs” for Japanese since it’s not the correct word then maybe I really do have some ground here huh? I would feel rude saying “Texanino? Texanese? Texzonian?” Instead of Texan


+ thanks sksvlad that gave me a chuckle!