Distinctly Montana Magazine

76 D I S T I N C T LY M O N TA N A M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 4 Installing and maintaining the markers not only requires the veterans' time and manpower, it also presents hazards of its own. "We really want to remind people that when they see us out there to please slow down as they go by," he explains. "We have people flying right by us at 70 miles per hour, and it can get pretty nerve-racking." It is also important that friends and family members of those who lost their lives take care not to cover the markers with decorations or items that block them from view. "We don't want anything that could create a distraction or possible hazard," Long says. "We think about those who died when we see the markers, but they are not memorials to those who passed away. They are reminders to people to slow down, drive safely, and to take note because someone lost their life there." CONTRIBUTE TO THE CAUSE The Montana American Legion plans to continue the HFMP for as long as there are volunteers and resources to support it. But participation has decreased in some areas over the years, and the cost of materials has only risen. "I believe this is a very important program," says Long. "We want peo- ple to be safe, and this program will continue for years to come as long as we have people willing to work it." Donations are a vital part to the continued existence of the HFMP, and our veterans should not be ex- pected to carry the load alone. The Montana American Legion wel- comes monetary donations for the purchase of paint, posts, and supplies, which may be sent to the Department of Montana American Legion at PO Box 155, Fort RIGHT: MT 86 (Bridger Canyon Road) at Mile Marker 28 Northbound was the site of a head-on collision in June of 1991. Laura Alley, a member of American Legion Post #14 and the Post #14 Fatality Mark- er Team, adjusts the fasteners. WE THINK ABOUT THOSE WHO DIED WHEN WE SEE THE MARKERS, BUT THEY ARE NOT MEMORIALS TO THOSE WHO PASSED AWAY. THEY ARE REMINDERS TO PEOPLE TO SLOW DOWN, DRIVE SAFELY, AND TO TAKE NOTE BECAUSE SOMEONE LOST THEIR LIFE THERE.

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