Home > Fayette.Talk > Archives > 2007 > July > 16 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USThoughts 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
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By Flo Jean
July 16, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
I don’t understand the roadside memorial. Does that mean if I die in a wreck on 575 I’m forever haunting exit 20. I don’t even get a house to knock around in? Maybe if a hitch hiker walks by me I can spook him a bit…or someone changing a flat.
By Randy
July 16, 2007 1:25 PM | Link to this
It’s not something I’d do but if it helps someone deal with their loss whats the harm ?
By peachykeen
July 16, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
I agree with Randy. It helps people deal with their loss. My heart goes out to them when I see these memorials.
By k
July 17, 2007 1:31 PM | Link to this
I think of how temporary we all are. To know that someone has died in a particular spot means I can also perish there too.
Thank you
By Hoodman10
July 17, 2007 1:42 PM | Link to this
I agree, it is a reminder that someone did die there. And that you can too. I see them here in Florida on hwy 98 and I actually slow down a bit and think about how fast I am driving. As far as the ones on the back window go. That is their choice. Better than a family’s last name with HUGE letters covering the whole back window.
By JustMe
July 17, 2007 2:05 PM | Link to this
I’m so glad someone finally addressed this publicly. Sorry, but I think these roadside memorials are really lame. You don’t see people leaving hospital room memorials to honor the memory of people who have died there. Or in a back alley where someone was robbed and shot dead. Or in a swimming pool where an unattended child met with an untimely demise. We are all mortal, finite beings. Nobody needs to be “reminded” that they could die at any given moment in any given spot….heck, I could get struck by lightning walking out my front door, but that’s a chance I choose to take. I mean what’s next? Are we going to see people wearing tee shirts that say “Ask me about my cancer” as a reminder that any of us could develop the horrible disease? I’ve known a good number of people who have had their lives tragically shortened in fatal car accidents…….to make a permanent / semi - permanent memorial on the roadside is not only a distraction to other drivers, it is a sickness.
By Joan
July 17, 2007 2:25 PM | Link to this
I’ve often wondered if there should be a time limit on the roadside memorials. There is one near my home that has been there for about five years. Unless the family owns the land, I think that the government should gather them after no more than one year. I’m sadden for them, but that’s enough of a reminder for me.
By Billie
July 17, 2007 3:16 PM | Link to this
I think people immortalize the particular spot where they lost a loved one..Its like someone asking you can you remember where you were when “so and so” happened….This is their last remembrace of where their loved one was before he/she departed life…I say let them be…I think when you see them they are touching to the heart and you have compassion for the victim’s family and you can count your blessings…..
By Vince
July 17, 2007 3:20 PM | Link to this
I understand the sentiment and appreciate the celebration of life but having said that, the ones that I have seen have been over the top and kind of gaudy.
By Royce
July 17, 2007 3:30 PM | Link to this
Abby, I think it is sad that you and ‘just me’ are so shallow that you take the time to complain about how someone expresses their grief, or chooses to continue to remember someone who ws important to them. I’m guessing that you are amoung the crowd who is offended by almost everything now days. Either respect another persons expressions, or ignore them - - but please don’t whine about them…!
By Jon
July 17, 2007 4:30 PM | Link to this
Aside from curiosity about the life that was lost, these memorials serve as a reminder to me that my driving can drastically effect the lives of so many. It is a great reminder for me to slow down and consider those around me as I am driving.
By robin
July 17, 2007 4:58 PM | Link to this
When I see a cross on the side of the road, the last thing in my mind is the decor of the cross( and shame on people who neglect what the cross truly means). I simply glance over them and remind myself, whether for a second or minutes, that life can be taken away in a flash. I, personally, am only eighteen and the shortlivved years I see written on the cross make me slow down moreso than a white and black speed limit. Furthermore, unless these signs are an obstacle to traffic which they’re not..let the mourners mourn. There are endless other things we should worry about than memorials. If we want to talk about distractions on the sideway, why not make the increasing amount of litter the next blog topic. Kit-kat wrappers annoy me a hell of a lot more than flowers. But, hey, that’s just me!
By robin
July 17, 2007 4:59 PM | Link to this
When I see a cross on the side of the road, the last thing in my mind is the decor of the cross( and shame on people who neglect what the cross truly means). I simply glance over them and remind myself, whether for a second or minutes, that life can be taken away in a flash. I, personally, am only eighteen and the shortlivved years I see written on the cross make me slow down moreso than a white and black speed limit. Furthermore, unless these signs are an obstacle to traffic which they’re not..let the mourners mourn. There are endless other things we should worry about than memorials. If we want to talk about distractions on the sideway, why not make the increasing amount of litter the next blog topic. Kit-kat wrappers annoy me a hell of a lot more than flowers. But, hey, that’s just me!
By Cassondra
July 17, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
I love them. They make me smile and think of the nameless person who died. They also inspire me to say a prayer for the family of survivors. I think they are great!!!!!!!
By Cassondra
July 17, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
I love them. They make me smile and think of the nameless person who died. They also inspire me to say a prayer for the family of survivors. I think they are great!!!!!!!
By robin
July 17, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
When I see a cross on the side of the road, the last thing in my mind is the decor of the cross( and shame on people who neglect what the cross truly means). I simply glance over them and remind myself, whether for a second or minutes, that life can be taken away in a flash. I, personally, am only eighteen and the shortlivved years I see written on the cross make me slow down moreso than a white and black speed limit. Furthermore, unless these signs are an obstacle to traffic which they’re not..let the mourners mourn. There are endless other things we should worry about than memorials. If we want to talk about distractions on the sideway, why not make the increasing amount of litter the next blog topic. Kit-kat wrappers annoy me a hell of a lot more than flowers. But, hey, that’s just me!
By robin
July 17, 2007 5:00 PM | Link to this
When I see a cross on the side of the road, the last thing in my mind is the decor of the cross( and shame on people who neglect what the cross truly means). I simply glance over them and remind myself, whether for a second or minutes, that life can be taken away in a flash. I, personally, am only eighteen and the shortlivved years I see written on the cross make me slow down moreso than a white and black speed limit. Furthermore, unless these signs are an obstacle to traffic which they’re not..let the mourners mourn. There are endless other things we should worry about than memorials. If we want to talk about distractions on the sideway, why not make the increasing amount of litter the next blog topic. Kit-kat wrappers annoy me a hell of a lot more than flowers. But, hey, that’s just me!
By Tilla
July 17, 2007 5:21 PM | Link to this
I can’t believe people in here are joking about death. Making fun of it. When I see memorials I instantly feel for the person that died and their family. I’m thankful I am still in the land of the living. It’s scary how casual we are about death. People are so selfish nowadays. Just like when that woman was stabbed in that convenience store and no one stopped to help her, she was dying right there on the floor and people stepped over her and continued shopping, one lady even stopped to take a picture of her. This is truly a COLD WORLD we live in. When I see memorials it makes me give thanks that I am still here.
By Robine
July 17, 2007 6:05 PM | Link to this
I am one who has a memorial for my son in law. It is on my car and a cross on the highway with his name. It is my way for his name to live on. he will never be forgotten. Alot of people tell me they love it. His children love to go to daddy’s cross. It has been up 3 years.
By william
July 25, 2007 6:58 PM | Link to this
I think the roadside memorials is a distraction to other drivers and may cause another death from someone trying to speed by and read the memorial sign at the same time…..
By fay
July 26, 2007 2:20 PM | Link to this
I think car memorials are even more strange than roadside ones… that’s a whole other blog in itself, but Robine brought it to mind. I can understand keeping a name “alive,” but it’s just odd… honoring someone with your car? I think the roadside ones are ok, if the area is maintained - and it should be by those who create them.
By bvi
July 27, 2007 1:29 PM | Link to this
Just an opinion from someone who lost a brother in a hit and run accident - and chose to use other methods to remind people how fleeting life is - and healing takes shape in many ways - but not on the side of the road where my sweet brother took his last breath. For others - it is obviously different and I respect that - but I also ignore the signs and memorials so that my family can keep me around a little longer.