LETTERS: MEMORIALS HELP US TEACH OUR CHILDREN

To the editor:

My wife and I just finished reading the editorial on the March 14 Opinion page, "Highway memorials serve a worthy purpose." As representatives for those whose lives have been changed forever by the loss of a loved one on the roadways, we would like to join you in recognizing these small tributes to our deceased loved one as all-important to everyone who passes by them. They serve as stern reminders that life is finite, that love lasts forever and that pain from the loss of a loved one never ceases. Nothing stops that pain. Nothing.

"What happened there?" a young boy or girl might ask their parents while passing a small cross or flower positioned on the side of the road. "A young woman was murdered. Her life was taken from her. You must be careful when you're out away from home, Honey, even a mile away from home. Some people have no respect for life. Some people don't care if they take a life."

You see, that conversation wouldn't likely take place and that lesson in life wouldn't be learned without the memorials. The innocent must be protected. They must be educated. They must be reminded over and over again each time they pass by that small tribute positioned on the side of the road.

As stated in your editorial: "For the rest of us, the memorials are a constant reminder -- one that we need."

MARVIN LAWLESS

Benton