Another One (Merci car that is)

Here we are in Bismarck. We got here just ahead of the rain, altho it was overcast the entire way. Next morning, more rain, totally grey day. So we got in the truck and drove down to the capitol area. It is very nice, with lots of open space. We even saw two weddings being photographed among the trees and on the steps of the library.

The North Dakota Heritage Center is great. They have done a good job in presenting all of the information. Children enjoy it as well as adults. Some places, I am sure one enjoys over the other. You could take hours in there (provided your legs hold up). Of course, as we got to the time after around 1920, too many things were familiar and we were ready to leave. Makes one feel just too old. But one thing that North Dakota seems to have done a better job of than most states is keeping track of the items that were in the Merci car, and there was a display case of some of the items they have managed to hold on to, sorry about the quality of the picture, but they are behind two panes of glass so a flash was out of the question and they don't allow tripods.

The Merci Boxcar itself is out in the park there. It is surrounded by trees, so you need to be looking for it. They have built a cover over it that replicates somewhat a French train station of WWII. TM was fascinated by the fact that this one has never had air brakes installed like the rest of them we have seen. They have a book there that explains the origin and capital of each of the provinces. Found out that if the shield has a red border, that means it is inherited. Surprised when the capital of Navarre was listed as Pamplona, Spain. Navarre is the Basque region that was divided between Spain and France - I believe after many years of fighting over it.

The all Veterans Memorial is quite impressive. It is shaped as a cube with a dome covering that is only apparent once you are inside the cube. It was erected in 1989 - the 100 anniversary of ND statehood - and dedicated to those who gave their lives in war during that first 100 years. One of the neat things about it, which we were unable to view due to the time of our visit, is that on the eleventh hour, of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, a stream of sunlight illuminates a brass globe at the center of the memorial.

After this we went back to the trailer and vegged for the rest of the day to try and stay warm and dry.

Sunday morning, it was off to Bismarck Church of Christ, were we were warmly welcomed. Their membership is about 75 and the preacher had a very good lesson. We went back for the evening class and were asked to stay for dinner. One of their young men is joining the Navy and on his way to basic. His parents provide pizza, cake and ice cream for everyone. It was so nice to have the social time to get to know some of the folks a little better. They encouraged us to come back to Bismarck and visit with them again soon.

Sunday was sunny and nice.

God Bless