Shackles UnShackled

Marianne V. Shackles

Valujet’s  ill fated Flight 592   Memorial Revisited

It’s been said, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." Two years ago I visited a memorial dedicated to men, women, children who died on Valujet’s, ill fated Flight 592. The memorial stands bold and tall along the Tamiami Trail. The triangular shaped concrete structure consists of 110 columns reaching toward the sky ­ one column representing each soul who perished on May 11, 1996 - pointing due north, toward the impact site.

This simple yet elegant memorial, 11 miles west of Krome Avenue, was suggested by victims’ families. It was constructed in a six month period by students and other volunteers from the University of Miami School of Architecture, with help from the American Institute of Architects¹¹ student chapters.

Two years ago, the memorial site was still under construction. As I approached the grassy knoll, making my way up through the swamp vegetation, I was instantly aware of something quite serene and formidable - yet peaceful. There is an air of calm tranquility. On my first visit, a chilling shiver ran up my spine and the hair on my arms stood up, as I read the memorabilia family and friends had left behind. I knew I was on hallowed ground.

Now, two years later, the memorial still stands. A mystical yet spiritual feeling engulfs you as you look at each column representing a face, a history ­ a life cut short. I stood quietly and said a prayer ­ not for the victims for they are at peace ­ but for the family and friends who must endure the pain of their loss forever. Two years ago, there were flowers, photos, memorabilia, baby books, dolls, and a host of poignant personal items placed at the base of many 110 columns. ine
Today, the memorial stands barren - - almost eerie devoid of any personal story of the tragedy. Yes, a large granite slab lies adjacent to the columns bearing the names of those who perished along with a single Panda Bear and a small stuffed animal. There is a small nondescript sign flapping in the breeze pointing to the sight. There is another sign poorly erected and on the verge of falling down on a gravel road indicating a parking area. As if this wasn’t bad enough, the entire area in between each of the 110 columns is blanketed with weeds growing through the pavers.

I was overwhelmed with grief and sorrow on my first visit to this memorial. Two years later, I was angry and sad to see that no one seemed to care about this memorial. I immediately thought, was this memorial erected just to placate the families of those who lost their lives? So the job was done and that ends it? Was it that no one cares because it is off the beaten track deep in the everglades and not in the middle of a city where everyone would see and not tolerate such disrepair?

It would seem to me that whenever a memorial is erected of any kind, it is incumbent upon those who are responsible for its construction to also be responsible for its upkeep. The men, women, children on board Flight 592 and who died on May 11, 1996 deserve more. Perhaps the powers that be are waiting for May 11, 2001 to make the memorial presentable for the fifth anniversary of this fateful event.