The HOV Lane Blog

A quick aside from Montana. Today, I had the pleasure of driving into Montana from Northern Idaho on Highway 2. It is a spectacular drive and I highly recommend it.

However, the stunning beauty of this country road is neither the most remarkable nor the most memorable thing about this drive. It is the humanitarian act of the American Legion Post #97 (Libby, Montana) that I will remember most.

The American Legion has posted white crosses at every point that someone has died along the highway. The white cross stands upon a bright red metal pipe base. In the case of an incident in which multiple people passed to the other side, the bright red pedestal displays 2, 3… etc. white crosses.

Many of us have seen the handmade memorial crosses that friends and families some times post along side the road to remember loved ones lost to an accident. Each memorial has its own style and personality that provides a glimpse of the missed… the hearts broken… the dreams lost.

However, driving through this seemingly endless field of white crosses starkly different from these previous experiences. The consistent, frequent repetition of these stark, minimal white crosses posted along Montana’s Highway 2 were reminiscent of the tombstones of Arlington cemetery. Their stoic stature and sheer numbers haunt ones soul and truly drive home the point. Message received.

Although, it seems even this is not enough for some people. As I stood along the road photographing the crosses, many a reckless driver sped by me.

My work often leaves me standing on the side of the road. I usually take extra precautions in recognition to the danger posed. Nevertheless, I probably need a reminder from time to time. Thanks to American Legion Post #97, I have one for the Holiday weekend.

This 4th of July, over 41 million drivers will be hitting the road. I hope the story of Montana’s Hwy 2 is a timely reminder for us all. It certainly was for me.

Note: To celebrate the Holiday, I’ll be off the grid for the next few days. Posting will pick back up on the 4th. Happy 4th of July to those from America!