Military Vehicle Preservation Association
1919-2009 Transcontinental Convoy
Informational Website
Welcome to the MVPA Transcontinental Convoy Website.  We will use this site to broadcast updates and information about the proposed convoy as it becomes available.  Please check back weekly for updates and additions as the planning progresses.
 
Concept
In 1919, the US Army’s Military Transportation Corps (MTC) undertook a transcontinental Convoy to demonstrate the need for a mechanized Army.  This “hooves to wheels” plan to modernize America’s fighting force needed an attention-getting event to energize Congress and the citizenry, and parading the Army’s military might from coast-to-coast along the new Lincoln Highway was a great way to get demonstrate new vehicles.  (For a detailed history, click here)
 
As part of its mission to honor our country’s military vehicle history, the MVPA has decided to recreate the famous 1919 convoy in 2009 as a 90th Anniversary celebration of the achievement and in conjunction with the nation’s President Lincoln Bicentennial celebration.
 
The MVPA is looking for partnerships to help with this historic reenactment of the 1919 Convoy, both non-profit and corporate.  If your organization or business believes this event fits its profile, please contact the MVPA at 1-800-365-5798.  The MVPA is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in the State of Missouri.  For more information about the MVPA, click here.  
 
Announcements:
 
20 Jan'08: Stay tuned for updates to this website. DON'T FORGET to check our forum on a daily basis! See below for the latest updates.

Check back regularly. Thanks, Terry

  • We have over 60 interested participants to date - and many are interested to make the entire route.

  • Additionally, almost 20 folks have offered to help us in this project. Thanks to every one of you! As we get a little further in the basic planning of this project we will be contacting you.

  • To add your name to the list, contact me! How? Follow the link (below) to the mvpaconvoyforum, select the section "Sign up for Convoy" and send "tshelswell" a note with your name and MVPA #. I will get back to you!

  • We have a map set of the 1919 route and we are currently reviewing this route in detail - with input from several MVPA & LHA members who live in specific areas along the route.

  • These activities are helping us to define the level of detail that we will provide to the Convoy members - showing every town along the route, day by day.

  • Well, here are the beginnings of the CONVOY SCHEDULE! We will update this as details firm up.

  •     10 - 12 June'09:            Meet us in Washington and let's get ready to roll!

  •     Saturday, 13 June'09:    Official departure from Washington, D.C.

  •     Sunday, 14 June - Wednesday, 17 June'09:    Daily stops not settled at this time.

  •     Thursday, 18 June'09:    Arrive in South Bend, IN.

  •     Friday, 19 June'09:        Join the LHA in a parade in South Bend - as a part of their 2009 annual Conference.

  •     Saturday, 20 June - Friday, 3 July'09:            Daily stops not settled at this time.

  •     Saturday, 4 July'09:        Join San Francisco for a 4th of July parade!

  •     Sunday, 5 July'09:          Prepare to return home.

  • We will meet with a person, in late January, who has organized a recent car convoy across the route to capitalize on his experiences.

  • We have a draft merchandising plan developed that includes a new logo for this Convoy project and a draft list of what items we will offer for sale during HMV shows, etc.

  • We have an advertising plan that covers specific 2008 & 2009 HMV shows, as well as a list of groups / companies that we will call upon for sponsorship.

  • We have received an endorsement from the Lincoln Highway Association! With this endorsement, we will submit our request to the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission for their endorsement.

For continuing discussions and additional information, please go to the convoy forum ( http://forum.freeboards.net/index.php?mforum=mvpaconvoyforum). To reach my email, go to this forum and read the coordinator announcement.  Then send a private message to the forum moderator.  

 
Last Updated 20 January'08.  Check back frequently for updates.
 
                                                                      
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