Maine Memory Network

By Will Harvey

Those from Bethel who served in the Civil War have been remembered for their contributions to the present day, as evidenced by the placement of a memorial in the center in Bethel Hill, the town's largest village.

Quilts sewn by the townspeople of Bethel, adorned with symbols of the Civil War, also show reverence to the veterans.

In addition, decorations continue to be placed around the graves of those who fell in battle and others who served during the war.

In June 1908, a Civil War monument was erected in the center of Bethel.

The Bethel Citizen reported that during the unveiling ceremony, "Every fluttering flag waved patriotism and every heart throbbed with love of the country ... it was glorious day and we cannot be too grateful to the enthusiastic mind with conceived it and the loyal workers who cooperated in carrying the plan to such a happy consummation."

"Every year loving hands renew the pledge of remembrance and affection by decorating their grave with flowers, and their sacrifices on behalf of liberty, home and united country will never be forgotten," stated Bethel historian William Lapham in 1891. He was a Civil War veteran.