White fatality markers should not be vandalized, decorated, or stolen

As a veteran, I volunteer with the American Legion’s Highway Fatality Marker safety program. 

Many of us in the American Legion have worked hard over the past 63 years to keep this viable safety program alive. Most Montana peace officers strongly support this safety program, and many Montana highway patrol officers laud our efforts to reduce highway fatalities. Every Montana governor over the past 63 years has endorsed this program.

Reference to the program is included on the Official Montana Highway Map and is included in signage on every roadway entering Montana. Local American Legion Posts have taken on the responsibility to mark every fatal accident in the state.

To some, these markers stimulate a sense of reverence, sorrow, sympathy and curiosity. These markers are not memorials; rather they are part of a highway safety program, much like any traffic sign that indicates a need to use caution.

Despite the high regard for the Highway Fatality Marker program, in the past year we have seen dozens of highway fatality markers intentionally defaced or stolen. A few are so heavily decorated they cannot be recognized as a fatality marker. The use of any type of decorations is strongly discouraged, as they reduce visibility and defeat the purpose of the safety program. Some markers have been replaced, only to have them taken again.

While we understand, and to some degree condone, modest family decorations, I find it difficult to understand why someone would destroy something someone else created or treasured. Is it just senseless destruction, an outpouring of diffused frustration, depression and rage, boredom, a simple lack of respect for someone else’s property; a lack of respect for your community; or is it a total lack of parent guidance and supervision?

While some may think of it as mischief, deliberate destruction or damage to public or private property is vandalism. Vandalism entails a lack of respect for any philosophical tradition or system. Vandalism is a crime.

Legion members and private citizens spend money and countless hours installing and maintaining the numerous safety markers across the state. Each marker cost roughly $15 - $25 in materials and workmanship.

Despite the negative effects, there is a solution to be considered; if you see someone vandalizing or stealing a highway safety marker, report it immediately to local authorities, or your local American Legion Post Adjutant (Polson - 883-2969 / Ronan - 210-2607 / St Ignatius - 270-7198 / Charlo - 544-1218).

On behalf of District #4,

Jim Kelly, Ray Welch American Legion Post #13 Life Member