Citizens of Southbridge, Massachusetts, served from 1898 to 1902 in the War with Spain, the Philippine Insurrection, and the China Relief Expedition, including service in the Army in Cuba and Porto Rico, the 6th Massachusetts Infantry Volunteers, the Navy, and the Marines. Among those identified in multiple categories was Peter Savery, musician in Company E of the 9th U.S. Infantry, who served in Cuba, in the Philippine Insurrection, and in the China Relief Expedition. Matthew Lynch was among those killed on the Maine, and Martin Walsh died in service. The memorial effort was carried through by Ponce Camp 21 U.S.W.V. with a town appropriation.