Via Liberation Monument, Courthouse Park, Fresno, CA
Posted by: 
fresgo
N 36° 44.236 W 119° 47.383
11S E 250902 N 4069356
Near the County Detention Facility
Waymark Code: WMF66C
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 08/29/2012
Views: 8
The Via Liberation Monument was placed by members of the 40/8 Veterans Organization known in French as the "La Societe des Quarante Hommes ET Huit Chevaux" or the "Society of Forty Mem and Eight Horses." The Marker is a replica of markers placed along the 888 mile road between Normandy and Bastogne, Belgium. The monument was placed on November 11, 1949 and included a time capsule to be opened on November 11, 2000 by the oldest surviving member of the organization.
The marker was included in the gift of the Merci Train. The Merci Train celebrated the liberation of France by the Allies in WWII.
The plaque reads:
This monument from General Patton's Route of
Liberation is a gift of the people of Cannes,
France to the people of California. Sent via La
Train de la Reconnaissance Francaise
(Merci Train) and dedicated Armistice Day November 11, 1949.
to
Everlasting World Peace
by "La Societe des 40 Hommes ET 8 Chevaux"
Voiture 31
American Legion.
According to the Fresno Bee the capsule was opened as directed by Earl Spomer who had been a member of the organization for 53 years. The contents included coins, stamps, newspapers and other mementos.