Maine IX

Turner, Maine lies about 32 miles west south west of Augusta. Founded before the Revolutionary War the population in 1970 was 2,246 and about 400 less in 1960, so in 1968 it is probably safe to say that it may have been a few less than the 1970 count.

Nearby to today's site there is a cemetery with a memorial honoring those lost through WWII and "all future wars" so, one might have expected to find nothing more. But, not far away, on School House Road is this small memorial to the one man from turner who was lost in Vietnam.

Phillip S. Bryant was a marine medic credited with saving a number of lives, both American and Vietnamese.

 He was killed clearing a land mine. I am not sure how that works in the Marines, one might be forgiven for thinking there were guys who specialized in this but, perhaps all Marines were expected to perform this task.

The site rests at the top of a ravine leading down to a river and it is easy to imagine that perhaps this was a favorite spot for Bryant, but I am speculating.

Many people seem to have been involved in the creation of this memorial. It is somewhat unusual to see family members listed on a memorial, but I think it is a nice touch.

Next time, on the September 3, we will check out Maryland, once again, so, join me there, as always, at 9:00am.

To see other memorials from Maine, or any other state, click the state name on the left side of this page.