We noticed them before we'd left the Yellowstone country. Small white metal crosses set off the shoulder of the state highways.

Someone died here.

Each a small memorial to a highway fatality. Our state does something similar, but the memorials, or crucitas, are a non-denominational red heart with a dove flying across. Specifically designed not to offend any particular religion or belief.

We discussed these little white crosses quite a bit as we crossed Montana. Yes, they were sobering reminders to drive careful and alert. But we were disappointed in the arrogance of placing symbols of one religion on all of these sites, apparently regardless of the beliefs of the ones lost, or their surviving families.

Can it not but add to their grief to pass these markers and see the symbol of a different religion over the site where one of their loved ones was lost. How would these Christians feel to pass the site where one of their family died, and see it marked with a Star of David, or pentagram? Can that not do anything but dig deeper into a deep wound?

As for the crosses themselves, many were individually marked with flowers or wreaths.

Whereas others appeared to be old, rusty and forgotten.

There were sites where two crosses were set side by side. Whether two fatalities in different vehicles, or even in totally different accidents, we did not know. But quite a few were two crosses welded side by side on the same post.

Clearly, two people lost together. And in one case, three crosses were welded in a row on a single post.

As we neared Browning, on the Blackfeet Reservation, we spotted one cross where someone had welded a metal silhouette of the "End of the Trail" artwork on top of the cross. Presumably more appropriate for the person lost than a Christian symbol.

Unfortunately, the closer one came to Browning, the more crosses there were.

You could even look ahead at the road, and guess correctly that there would be little white markers at the next sharp curve.

The community had clearly noticed, judging by a billboard in town.

But as we left town on Highway 89, we were shocked to see these just a few miles out.

My God.

What would they do with a more tragic crash?

Sadly, that question was answered just two miles farther down the road.