Today I joined a team of hikers that hiked to the summit of Mount Eisenhower to raise the American flag in remembrance and tribute to those that perished during the horrific terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Excerpt from The History of the Flags on the 48 Memorial Hike:
Each year, on or around September 11th, patriotic and impassioned hikers embark on a collective journey to raise American flags on all 48 of the 4,000+ foot summits in New Hampshire. This memorial hike continues to be the remembrance of the thousands of lives taken violently and unexpectedly. Participants create a moving memorial that is a compassionate show of emotional support to other human beings who have suffered heartbreaking, unfathomable loss. Since sorrow is felt across state lines, racial lines and party lines, our tribute knows no boundaries. The Flags on the 48 Memorial Hike remains a small token of support for every person still trying to come to terms with the enormity of all that has been lost.
Our flag went up at 11:30AM and was lowered at 2:00PM. The weather was cool and windy but there was great visibility. Flags could be seen on surrounding and distant 4,000 foot peaks. All 48 4,000 foot summits were represented today. Many hikers came up to the summit of Mount Eisenhower and appreciated seeing the flag.
This was my first time participating in Flags on the 48. I enjoyed being a part of this team and taking part in raising the flag.
Enjoy the photos from this remarkable day!
A great start to the day with a flag against a sunrise background
A view of the Presidentials on y drive to the trailhead
Sun trying to break through the clouds
Clouds wrap around Mount Eisenhower
The destination for today is that summit cairn on Mount Eisenhower
We're ready to go
Water crossing without much water
Heading up the Edmands Path
An area of blowdowns that have been cut and cleared
Looking back at trees that have been snapped off
Crossing a wet ledge
First views from the trail
Mount Washington comes into view
Cog train
Part of our crew coming out onto the exposed section of trail
Red Pond looks like a mud pond
Heading up the Eisenhower cone
Winding our way up the switchbacks on the Eisenhower summit cone
Looking down on Red Pond
The team arrives at the summit
The flag is flying over Mount Eisenhower
Flag over Mount Pierce
Flag over Mount Carrigain
Flag over Mount Washington
Flags over Mount Jackson
Flag over Mount Isolation
Flag over Mount Isolation
A southeast view of the White Mountains
A southwest view of the White Mountains
Mount Chocorua
Glider flying directly toward the Mount Washington summit cone
Flag has been lowered and we start our descent
Descending the Edmands Path
Back at the trailhead parking lot
A look back at the Presidential summits on the drive home
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