By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-965991.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. – This summer, August 27 will mark the five year anniversary of a Lexington plane crash that killed 49 people. A memorial sculpture that will be unveiled - 49 silver birds flying upward - has been already been paid for through public donations.
The Flight 5191 Memorial Commission now needs the public's help to make sure the monument will last.
"You don't want to build something and then not be able to maintain it and care for it and take care of it," says Sue Byrd, mother of crash victim Brian Byrd. "We want future generations to be able to come out here and reflect and look at this, and be able to envision the love of this community through this beautiful sculpture."
The group hopes to raise $150,000 which would solely be used for maintenance expenses.
Jennifer Smith-Combs, who lost her father Pat Smith in the crash, says she often walks in the Lexington Arboretum where the sculpture will be located.
"You know the community will remember, and will constantly remember us and remember our loved ones. It's comforting I think, to know that it's there."
Donations can be made at any Central Bank branch or through the Bluegrass Community Foundation.