Sign of a Fish That Says, “The One That Got Away”

2008

A unique aspect of the Fence is that there is often little explanation for the items left. This plastic fish on a wooden sign with the words “The one that got away” is such an item. With no indication of why this item was left on the Fence, it can only be described as an item left by someone with a desire to leave a part of themselves there. This is a frequent occurrence, as the Memorial often leaves a lasting impression on those who visit.

Perhaps this item was something special to the person who left it. Perhaps fishing was a hobby of theirs or a hobby of someone they knew who was impacted by the bombing. It could just be that this was something a visitor had in their car when they visited the Museum. This item tells one of the key stories of the Fence and the bombing: that there are people who want to remember and give of themselves and will do whatever they can to lend a hand.