SAN ANTONIO — A new permanent memorial is under construction at the site where dozens of migrants lost their lives in a failed smuggling attempt.
A memorial garden features rocks of different sizes, which represent the different ages of the victim from the 2022 tragedy. Visitors can see it currently being built on Quintana Road.
53 migrants lost their lives that day, and the youngest was only 13 years old. Construction of this permanent memorial started a few weeks ago, but it has been in the works for some time.
It’s next to the makeshift memorial that went up right after the tragedy.
Last year, District 4 Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia, who represents the area, told us there were plans for a permanent memorial but spending would cost anywhere up to $15 million dollars.
Other options were considered and a more cost effective solution was chosen.
"We will have little areas where people can sit and reflect," said District 4 Councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia. "And more importantly, we will have the names and the countries of origin of every person that lost their lives on a plaque."
Rocha Garcia says this will cost $100,000 dollars and will be paid for through the Neighborhood Access and Mobility Program.
We are told volunteers will maintain the memorial. At least one there Thursday to hand out water as people visit the site to pay their respects.
The permanent memorial is expected to be finished by this Saturday.
A rosary prayer will be held at 5 p.m. as part of its unveiling.
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