SMYRNA, Maine — It is an intimate number of white crosses that stand proudly on a small hill in Smyrna beside the historical society on Route 2, each one bearing the name of the man who gave his life defending the ideology of America.
The crosses represent those men who fought in age of ethics and morals of the Civil War to defending democracy in World War I and II, and combating communism in Vietnam, a political Korean War to today’s fight against terrorism in Afghanistan.
Randy Rockwell of Smyrna undertook a project to honor each of these men from the plantations of Moro, Dyer Brook and Merrill to the town of Smyrna.
“This started about four and a half years ago,” said Rockwell. “The research alone took two and a half years. Smyrna, Dyer Brook, Merrill and Moro have never had any crosses. That is why I wanted to do the undertaking of setting the crosses out and hoping that people would just see the sacrifice these men made. That is why we are free. They paid the price.”
When Rockwell was visiting the town office, a gentleman from the American Legion was there asking to update the town’s veterans list.
“I just took it on as a project,” he said. “I joined the American Legion and began my research going as far back as the Civil War to present day.”
Rockwell traveled to the Maine State Library in Augusta — until the staff offered to copy and send the information he needed without charge — and spent time online and at Houlton’s Cary Library.
“I hope Cary Library never ceases to exist because that is a wealth of information,” he said. “It’s a nice library and I got so much information on these veterans.”
Though Rockwell has no relatives represented at the Veterans Memorial, he was fascinated by what he learned about the boys and men whose names are represented.
“James Haskell, Jr. of the Civil War never returned,” he said. “Then there is William Haskell who was killed in World War I. I believe it is the same family. This shows the tradition and dedication of the area people.”
Though the plantations were spread out, Smyrna had 15 Civil War veterans never come back. There were two 16-year-olds and a 37-year-old among the deceased.
“That is quite a large number,” Rockwell said, “as there was not a big population. Two (one being Isaac Adams) were held in Andersonville, the dreaded southern prisoner camp. They succumbed to diphtheria.”
Though Rockwell could not remember each man’s story, he did recall Dyer Brook’s Moses Wings died of his wounds, while Albert Clark and Haskell both died in WW I and Boyle, Hersey, Patchell and Stevens all died in WW II. Another represented was David Ewings, who died of non-combat wounds during the Vietnam era.
Rockwell’s research mainly was found in the adjutant general report from 1862-66.
“They were quite graphic on what happened to some of these boys,” he said.
Rockwell went through about six volumes of reports ranging from 1,800 to 2,000 pages … twice.
“I love to research and I wanted to do this project,” he said. “I know I have probably left someone out or made a mistake. But, if someone thinks I did, please get ahold of the American Legion and I will add the names. I do not want to leave anyone out.”
The 24 crosses — the front cross says In Remembrance — are 20 inches high, 14 inches wide on a steel six-inch rod that goes into the ground. Each cross is made out of a quarter- by two-inch piece of steel welded together.
“It took me from November of last year until March of this year to cut them, weld them and paint them,” Rockwell said.
The black lettering was done by Chrystie Crouse of Patten and a generous donation from Drucilla Ewings’ family contributed to the cross project. Ewings’ grandchildren, Debbie Ewings and Russell Ewings, Jr. of Connecticut wanted to support the veterans of the area. When Drucilla asked Rockwell where the contribution could be best put to use, he told her the crosses.
“I said, I am working on the crosses,” he recalled. “I think they ought to be put out. They have never been here. She said take the money and use it. It was enough to cover all of the paint, the lettering and the steel.”
Standing and looking at the crosses, Rockwell said he could see where he will have to clean them up again in the spring, as some rust has etched the corners.
“A lot of your kids today, they don’t remember,” said Rockwell. “They read about it, but they don’t actually see the crosses. I wanted to do something to honor them. I am for the veterans.”
Rockwell, who had his draft card, enlisted in the U.S. Army during peace time.
Coming south on Route 2, the crosses are tucked behind the Smyrna Historical Society sign.
“For those who have seen them, I have gotten a lot of comments and thank yous. But, these are the ones we need to be thanking,” Rockwell said, pointing to the crosses. “I know they are gone, but we need to keep their memory – that is why I did the cross In Remembrance – we should never forget the ones that paid the ultimate price. Brothers in arms. When hearing of a brother getting killed, it hits home. Even though I was not in when there was any action going on, I still feel a bond.”
