Written by John & Lenore Weiss

They called it the "Thank you America Tour". A group of over 100 French citizens, traveling in their wonderful antique Citroen cars. The purpose was to thank all the World War II veterans for their sacrifices in the 1940's and help promote international tourism on Route 66. The thirty-one French Citroen car tour of Route 66 was a one time event. This fabulous parade of cars down Route 66 will probably never happen again.

We had met with the French tour leader Eric Massiet several months earlier in the year. After hearing how this event would honor our brave veterans, we immediately agreed to arrange the Illinois portion. The complete tour was from California to New York. On a tight schedule, Eric only had one day to travel on Route 66 from St. Louis, MO through Illinois and one day to visit Chicago. During their one day visit, we arranged the all important Veterans Award Ceremony in Atlanta, lunch, and sights to see before a dinner at the Dell Rhea Chicken Basket in Willowbrook.

What would seem difficult turned out to be extremely easy thanks to some wonderful people who took charge better than I ever expected. Tour leader Eric Massiet had made two test runs before the big event. He was mapping out detailed driving instructions for each of the 31 Citroen drivers.

On August 2nd they left St. Louis at 8:30 a.m. The first stop was to visit the hundreds of American classic cars for sale in Staunton at Country Classic Cars. From there they traveled to Springfield. We had made plans with Bill Shea for the group to visit his great attraction. Bill arranged parking for all the cars across the street and enthusiastically welcomed them.

From there the group traveled to the lunch and ceremony location, to be held in Atlanta. This fantastic, well planned emotional event was the result of Mr. Bill Thomas of Atlanta. We don't know how this event could have been improved upon. Bill had thought of everything. Pride in Atlanta and of America was evident and in abundance.

Here in this small American town in Illinois we had two countries coming together to honor our World War II veterans. These brave men, years ago were willing to risk their lives for us. Now these heroes are all senior citizens, but for this moment they again stood proud. Many were wearing their uniforms and displaying their medals. The names of 100 veterans were announced over the PA system. We were also reminded to not forget the men who could no longer be with us.

The crowd was large. A fantastic mix of our veterans, French families, residents of Atlanta, news media, spectators, Boy Scouts, and the proud families of the veterans

.

The Vinegar Hill band played the American national anthem, and we all sang loudly. The French national anthem was played and the French flag was displayed, this time all of the French voices rang out. Some cried. Some smiled. We will never forget this beautiful moment. The French group fueled up on the excellent lunch outdoors at the park. They then reluctantly had to leave. Little did they know that they had only a sample of what was still to come. Down the road is Lexington, with their Route 66 Memory Lane. One phone call to Fran Turgeon was all it took.

Fran turned a simple cruise into a very memorable moment. Fran had also taken on the responsibility of advance publicity. What a fantastic job he did. They furnished free water, Popsicles, and root beer for everyone to enjoy. They were again treated to Illinois' generous hospitality. Nobody does it better.

Down the road is Pontiac. Again, one phone call to Dal and Betty Estes is all it took. Dal took care of notifying veterans. Betty had signs made in French and did her Betty thing. She proudly waved flags of both countries as the tour paraded through town. The Estes had been in Atlanta. Then they scooted ahead to again cheer them on. When the tour entered Odell, a welcoming group of citizens and veterans was ready at the restored Standard Filling Station.

Again all it took was letting Mayor Ed Seal and his wife Bev know what was happening. What a welcome, what a sight. Free donuts, lemonade, water and Route 66 pins were eagerly accepted. An hour later they arrived at the Polka-Dot Drive Inn. Flags and veterans greeted them all. Owner Judy Chinski said "Whatever they want, it is on the house." The group had a ball posing with all the statues. At the Launching Pad, Jerry and Sharon had the welcome signs out. Not only did many visit, but the next day more were again seen with the Gemini Giant, having a great time. One small group had stopped at the Riviera. A fanny pack containing a passport, money, etc. was accidentally left behind. Owner Peggy Kraft hustled down to catch up with the group and return it, and they were thrilled. Peggy's speed must be due to the fact she is married to Rapid Robert.

The final stop was for dinner at Dell Rhea's Chicken basket in Willowbrook. Again, just one call to Pat Rhea was all it took. Pat eagerly got in touch with Eric to make the necessary plans. That evening the French were treated with a welcome by members of the Route 66 Association of Illinois. Goody bags were presented and a shuttle service of American classic cars were used to bring folks from the hotel to the restaurant and back.

The next morning the group left for Chicago. The parade of 31 Citroen cars passed through downtown Chicago intersections, arriving at the Drake Hotel, where they were mobbed by the news media. Working at the floral shop in the Drake was a friend of ours, Cathy Goodman. She greeted Eric and his fiance with a yellow rose to welcome them. Eric had proposed at sunset on Route 66 to his fiance during their trip!

We look back at this memorable day with great pride. We saw people from two countries who could not speak the same language, but having no trouble communicating. The folks along the way who hosted and greeted this group deserve a standing ovation. They were all superb! On the French TracBar web site, group leader Eric Massiet wrote: "We will never forget the kindness, the generosity, and the hospitality of people from Illinois, definitely the most enjoyable state crossed so far in our expedition. Thanks to all of you." Eric Massiet du Blest.

What a proud day for Illinois!