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They stand silently, painted in hues of somber blue and olive drab, or left as bare wood awaiting color. These crosses, each several feet high, are lined up near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. They serve as a memorial for the victims of the collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army helicopter on January 29th.
The artist behind this tribute is Roberto Marquez, a self-trained immigrant from Mexico who resides in Dallas. At 62 years old, Marquez has become known for creating memorials following public tragedies across the United States. "The crosses represent a lot," he said. "But one of those things is, I do it out of my heart."
Marquez's journey began at age 15 when he crossed into the U.S. to work in California's produce fields. After becoming a citizen and establishing a real estate business, he turned to art in 2018. His work now focuses on creating spaces for communal grief and remembrance.
Despite police quarantining areas near the crash site for recovery operations, people have been visiting Marquez's installation to pay their respects. "It was a lady," Marquez recalled about one visitor who brought flowers and tears.
Marquez funds these projects himself but acknowledges that community support often helps sustain his efforts. A recent donor gave him $200 despite his initial reluctance to accept it.
Although crosses are traditionally Christian symbols, Marquez does not identify with any specific religion. He describes his beliefs as centered around respect, common sense, reason, and truth.
His work emphasizes unity through shared human sentiment rather than religious or cultural differences. "There's one thing that unites us — it has to do with sentiment," he explained.
Looking ahead, Marquez plans to continue his work wherever tragedy strikes next, possibly Philadelphia after a recent medical jet crash claimed seven lives.
In closing remarks about his mission, Marquez emphasized love and compassion: "We should take every opportunity... there's one thing that we need to nurture is love — and practice it."
