Home > Fayette.Talk > Archives > 2007 > July > 16
Monday, July 16, 2007
Thoughts on roadside memorials
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
I don’t mean to bring up a somewhat depressing subject, but it’s something I’m curious about.
It’s the culture of memorials.
What I’m talking about are the small signs stuck in the grass. Some are on medians like Ga. 54 near the Piedmont Fayette Hospital, memorializing someone who died in an auto accident at that particular spot.
Other memorials can be seen on the back of car windows. You’ve seen them. Name, date of birth and date of death. The couple I’ve seen most are for teens who died tragically.
When I see those epitaphs in the middle of the road or on the back of car windows, I wonder about the people who put them there.
I wonder if they are related to the person who bears that name. I wonder how are they faring after a tragic loss. And I suppose, more than anything, I wonder why they put up the memorials.
I don’t remember ever seeing anything like them as a kid. And I really don’t recall when I started seeing them.
I guess when I see those reminders of a young life that’s now over, it simply makes me sad. It’s a distraction when I read them, but a temporary one.
What do you think of those memorials? What sort of thoughts go through your mind when you pass one?
Permalink | Comments (22) | Categories: Abby Brunks
