Travel

World's Tallest Cross

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The state of Illinois bears the cross in America.

Literally. It is not just in India that travellers stop at temples and shrines to bless their vehicles for a safe journey, but also under world’s largest crucifix that rules the intersection of Interstates 57 and 70 in southern Illinois, the Cross At The Crossroads. Blessing events are also held at the site of the cross, ceremonies like Corvettes at the Cross and a Blessing of the Bikes are held for motorists who seek divine protection from accidents. The crucifix stands nearly 200 feet tall and took 180 tonnes of steel to construct. Over 50,000 motorists pass the Cross At The Crossroads, which would have been even larger if airline regulations had allowed it: now it is two feet short of an FAA regulation that would have required a beacon to be kept on top which would be visible to airplanes.

The second biggest cross is the 190-foot high crucifix in Groom, Texas. The base of the Cross At The Crossroads is a welcome centre and a lighting display, and 10 plaques for representing the Ten Commandments. Donations are accepted to keep the lights burning. The cross also is a testimony to the Twin Towers that fell on 9/11.

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