About the lecture
Such gratitude filled the French people toward the U.S. after World War II that in 1949 the French people sent the Merci Train to the U.S. filled with gifts for the American people. Join us for a presentation in English by Guy Benoit on the story behind the Merci Train followed by a wine and cheese reception.
About the lecturer, Guy Benoit
Guy Benoit is a French baby boomer, married to an American. After becoming an Aeronautical Engineer, he did his Military service in the French Air Force. Later, he worked for 2 different French airlines. Twice he was assigned to work for the French Minister of Defense, one of which, gave him the opportunity to live in French Polynesia. For his service in Aviation he received the ‘’Médaille de l‘Aeronautique’’. Retired since 2008, he is a consultant for 2 American companies, and became a US citizen in 2018.
He has studied history most of his adult life. Guy has been particularly intrigued by the history of WWII & WWI fought by his father & grandfathers, as well as American History.
In 2014 he self-published a book about the last battle of the 24 soldiers of his village killed in WWI and was interviewed and received a segment on a French Television channel for his research.
Here in the USA in 2017, 2018 and 2019 his WW1 presentation was supported by the Alliance Française and the Honorary Consul of France. He has also been fortunate to present for the DAR and for the OLLI/OSHER Adult Education at ASU.
