Gifts

Unidentified man speaking to a crowd gathered around a box from the French "Merci train." The train was a gift from France to the United States in recognition of U.S. aid to France after World War II. Standing on the right side of the podium are Vice-President Alben Barkley (left) and Senator Arthur Vandenberg. All others are unidentified.

French Ambassador to the United States Henri Bonnet speaking to a crowd gathered around a box from the French "Merci train." The train was a gift from France to the United States in recognition of U.S. aid to France after World War II. Seated on the right side of the podium are Vice-President Alben Barkley (left) and Senator Arthur Vandenberg. All others are unidentified.

Vice-President Alben Barkley (second from right) receiving medals from French Ambassador to the United States Henri Bonnet (foreground, left). The medals were presented during a ceremony giving the United States a boxcar, part of the "Merci Train." The train was a gift from France to the United States in recognition of U.S. aid to France after World War II. In the background on the left is Senator Tom Connally. On the right is Senator Arthur Vandenberg. All others are unidentified.

An unidentified man prepares to cut a ribbon on a boxcar from the French "Merci train," a gift from France to the United States in grateful recognition of U.S. aid to France after World War II. Vice-President Alben Barkley (not pictured) attended the ceremony, along with many veterans.

Vice President Alben Barkley (speaking behind podium) attending a ceremony next to a boxcar from the French "Merci train," a gift from France to the United States in grateful recognition of U.S. aid to France after World War II. Veterans stand among the crowd, all unidentified.

Former President Harry S. Truman smiles and holds up a framed political cartoon he has just received at a Democratic Party luncheon held in Charleston, West Virginia. The man on the right is unidentified.

Former President Harry S. Truman and Welch Attorney Samuel Solins (right) stand together as Mr. Truman pages through a book he apparently received as a gift at a banquet during Veterans' Day celebrations at Welch, West Virginia.

Former President Harry S. Truman (right) accepts a gift from an unidentified man at a banquet during Veterans' Day celebrations at Welch, West Virginia.

Former President Harry S. Truman accepts a gift from an unidentified man at a banquet during Veterans' Day celebrations at Welch, West Virginia.

American Legion National Commander Paul Griffith shown receiving gift from an unidentified woman.