Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Highway Memorials Number 1

For eleven years ending in 1995, I was a professional speaker.  With my former wife, I spoke in 48 of 50 states, Canada, and the Caribbean.  For the first few years, we traveled by air.  Then, in order to effectively reach smaller markets, I purchased a motor home.

In the following years, I wore out two motor homes crisscrossing the country.  I've seen more of the United States than possibly anyone other than long-haul truckers.  

For the last few years of that time I took a number of photos of what I call Highway Memorials.  I was driven by the notion that one day I would research a number of them, find out who they honored, the accident that took their live(s), and who built and maintains the memorial.  

That was the plan, but so far nothing has come of it.  Then today, rummaging through some old photos, looking for one to illustrate a blog post I was writing, I came across three envelopes full of photos of Highway Memorials.  I decided in that moment that a blog site would be the way to share the photos and the idea.  

So, for now, I'm going to post the pictures that aren't cataloged and ask you to make comments and tell me what you think of the idea.  In addition, if you know of a Highway Memorial that you would like me to post, send a photo, and if you have it, include the information you have about it.  I'll publish the photos and stories in the order that I receive them.  My eMail address is just to the right of this post.

Thanks for your time.

Bert Carson - Huntsville, Alabama January 9, 2013 10 PM










 

7 comments:

  1. This is sooo like you, Bama! What a beautiful way to pay tribute to those who lost their lives too soon...they whom the world has surely all but forgotten. Bert Carson never forgets. He'll always have your back and be yours to count on, even beyond your too-short visit on this earthly plane.

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  2. I loved this concept, Bert. I hope a lot of people send in their pictures and share stories of their lost loved ones.

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    1. Thanks Stephen,
      I don't know why I didn't think of creating a blog for Highway Memorials before this. In any case, it's up and running now.
      I appreciate you taking the time to comment and I'm open to any suggestions you might have.
      Bert

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  3. We always see markers and flags and flowers and fail to realize they aren't simply markers and flags and flowers. They are where lives ended and grief began.

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    1. Caleb,
      This morning, on the way home from a short trip I was thinking the exact same thing when I spotted a Highway Memorial on the side of Hwy 72 on the eastern side of Huntsville. I took a picture and I'll post it today.
      As I stood beside the wreath I could see flashing red and blue lights and hear the sounds of sirens. Later I imagined how someone felt when they were notified of the accident that occurred where I was standing.
      Bert

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  4. Great idea for a blog. Sad and tragic, but worth documenting and preserving. I have a very sad one to send you. Give me a few days and I will document it.

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    1. Thanks Andy,
      I agree with everything you said and look forward to your post.
      Bert

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I would appreciate your comments concerning Highway Memorials and I'm totally open to publishing your Highway Memorial and an account of it's history. Send the photo and info to the email address I've posted to the right of this post. Thanks, Bert