Thread: Roadside Memorials

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

In New mexico markers are left for those who perish along roadways. Usually a Cross or maybe something else at the point where the tragedy occurred. family members or friends or an association maintain them and folks will place objects there.

As you travel along the interstate it's amazing how many of these you see.

We see many of these around here as wll. They always catch my eye. And most are set up just the middle of a very bad curve. Sometimes there are skidmarks to match.

Originally Posted by lz6

We see many of these around here as wll. They always catch my eye. And most are set up just the middle of a very bad curve. Sometimes there are skidmarks to match.

That has been exactly my concern. Some of the memorials are a little too eye catching and could end up contributing to yet another accident. I truly understand the desire to memorialize a loved one, but personally, I'd prefer to memorialize a life rather than a death. That said, I wish the roadside memorials did not include distracting balloons, spinners, or printed messages that take a fraction of a section too long to read.

We have them everywhere in Australia too. I notice them but don't try to read/look at them too carefully.

I agree I'd prefer to remember the life rather than the death. However, they can be a sobering reminder to drive carefully in areas where you see them, so perhaps the relatives and friends make these roadside memorials not only to remember their loved-one, but also so that their death might help others avoid becoming a traffic statistic too?

James.

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

That story is true and you see that practice often in Arlington National Cemetery, where it is especially touching. Of course there, and in the other National Cemeteries, things are "swept up" regularly, but it can still be a very evocative reminder that those rows of stones are people's loved ones who served the country, not just "graves". I have a lot of friends in Arlington, and when I visit, even after all these years, I am still touched by the scene there.

In the case of famous people like the OP cited, I think it's less appropriate to leave "junk" around, unless you are a family member and it is meaningful to you. Even then, most things will be removed regularly in a well maintained cemetery.

I have not been to the Arlington National Cemetery, or to the Vietnam Memorial Wall yet although that is on my Bucket List. I have visited the, "Moving Wall", when it was came close to my home. It was very hard to see through the tears that rose in my eyes and I could not stay very long. Too many in our generation lost in that war! R.I.P.


Mike

Originally Posted by Jimbo

We have them everywhere in Australia too. I notice them but don't try to read/look at them too carefully.

I agree I'd prefer to remember the life rather than the death. However, they can be a sobering reminder to drive carefully in areas where you see them, so perhaps the relatives and friends make these roadside memorials not only to remember their loved-one, but also so that their death might help others avoid becoming a traffic statistic too?

James.

I refuse to be sobered by a rotten teddy, pinwheel, and limp silver balloon.

Even this (see the two bottom symbols) won't sober me, but it might make me cut back a little.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

However, they can be a sobering reminder to drive carefully in areas where you see them, so perhaps the relatives and friends make these roadside memorials not only to remember their loved-one, but also so that their death might help others avoid becoming a traffic statistic too?

James.

I completely agree with that, and a simple cross, or star, or other symbol accomplishes both and I certainly agree that having such symbols along the roadside may save lives. It's the over the top ones that are the problem. As a public roadway it would be easy for governmae tal entities to regulate/control this but I doubt anyone wants to interfere with such an issue.

Originally Posted by WW243

I refuse to be sobered by a rotten teddy, pinwheel, and limp silver balloon.

Well,,,, you gotta ask yourself how Teddy became rotten & the silver balloon limp

Originally Posted by Hirlau

Well,,,, you gotta ask yourself how Teddy became rotten & the silver balloon limp

A flare-up of emotion followed by neglect.
A parasitic industry has attached itself to this flare-up of emotion following a loss.

For a better look. Oldest stone in Rockville, MD