The debris of wars leave behind random objects that become monuments of sorts. Before the start of World War II, the US military showing unusual foresight used the pristine beaches of Puerto Rico’s Culebra Island, which is today a verdant wildlife sanctuary, as a training ground for the US Navy and Army. The exercises were meant to test the preparedenss of the troops and ordnance and tanks. The war got over, but the tanks remained on the beach where they once churned the sand, now lying abandoned and rusting in the wilderness.
In 1939, the first military exercises started on Culebra Island’s Flamenco Beach. In a way, it was a mock test of America’s military prowess before the war. The island continued to be a base for testing weaponry and training troops as the war dragged on, and continued even after the war. Culebra Island did not become a naval base but the military kept the place stocked with arms and equipment. The residents of the island, however, were angry at their peaceful life being disrupted and started protests in the early 1970s to force the Navy out and end all operations. After four years, the navy decided to pack up and leave. But as a reminder of their presence, they left behind many battle tanks on the island. The residents started on a cleaning drive, but the tanks were too heavy to be moved. Over the years, they have rusted in the salty ocean winds. The inhabitants decided that the giants would make good art objects, and covered the rust with layers of graffiti. More graffiti keeps getting added, giving the relics a colourful feel.
