Boston Marathon historian Tom Derderian doesn’t think the city should settle for the “easy solution” when deciding how to best commemorate the Boston Marathon bombing victims. He has proposed a footbridge over the Massachusetts Turnpike as an ideal memorial structure.

“The obvious would be to build a memorial in Copley Square, like a stone chiseled with names of the victims,” says Derderian. “That would be the easy idea…often people stop thinking after they come up with the easy solution.”

The place that Derderian envisions this bridge to be is the Cambridge Street Bridge passing over the Pike in Allston. He says the bridge would be a “gateway to the city” because this is the point at which people driving into Boston cross the actual city lines.

Given the limited space available in Copley Square, Derderian believes that the memorial would be better placed somewhere more prominent. His proposed location is ideal for another reason as well. “There is a dilapidated pedestrian bridge in that spot, and they’re already replacing the Cambridge Bridge Street in two years. So, while you’re at it, fix the pedestrian bridge as well,” he reasons.

The structure Derderian has in mind is a cable-stayed bridge, which would be an aesthetically pleasing change from the industrial one already in place. On the bridge’s vast surface area, he envisions engraving the victims’ names and a large “Welcome to Boston” greeting on the front. “There would be plenty of room to tell stories, to memorialize the victims,” says Derderian.

He is careful to make clear that this idea is only a proposal and must be discussed with the right people in the city government to appropriate funding and construction. Because building city infrastructure is such an investment, Derderian is open to being flexible. He says, “I wanted to give a concrete proposal to give us a starting point, to start the discussion.” Another idea he has thought of is a new running and biking trail, further enhancing the city of Boston’s walkability.

Derderian acknowledges that such an undertaking requires much collaboration between various city departments. “It’s infrastructure, and it’s a memorial, so we need to get the right people from various departments talking. I’d love to hear from the Mayor’s office,” he says.

As an expert on the Boston Marathon and a lifelong Massachusetts resident, Tom Derderian has a good idea of what this city needs to remember and cope with the tragedy. “The city should remember all of these things that happened that are painful and destructive,” he attests. “But, we have to say ‘never again.’”

“This bridge would be a memorial, a usable pedestrian overpass, and a symbol of the city. If St. Louis can have an arch, why can’t Boston?”

Certainly, a city that has proved its resilience and strength over and over again deserves such an iconic landmark to honor its great people.