Highway shrines promote safety

To the editor:

You ran an Associated Press article on highway shrines. I thought the writer's setup was a little flip, comparing these somber dedications to noxious lawn weeds. I'm not sure his report reflects the thoughtfulness these heartfelt personal expressions deserve. We've all seen the crosses interspersed along the interstates, but two-lane rural highways feature a more unnerving landscape of sacred markers.

Their history parallels the existence of traveling. Somewhere along our pioneers' Oregon trail, an old cross or carved rock marks a horse-and-wagon incident. In Mexico and South America, elaborately decorated "descansos" are erected, Friends and relatives regenerate them annually on the Day of the Dead. American Legion posts in Montana erect crosses for accident victims where the practice has been legal for over 50 years. I'm old enough to remember riding with my folks from Iowa to Kansas City, before I-35 was complete, along a treacherous portion of U.S. 69. This stretch was a graveyard of crosses with signs posted warning of the imminent peril.

In my recent travels, I saw some immaculately maintained spots. Yes, I was distracted -- enough to slow down and pay more attention. And you can't pass one of these hallowed grounds, knowing that personal tragedy took place at the very same space you're in, and not feel that for the grace of God go I.

If our well intended state legislators feel tempted to tinker with this time honored tradition, please think again. Some things are sacred.RANDY DUNN

Oak Ridge