I posted this in General Discussion but think this may be a better place for it as everyone seems to be looking in here for the latest news. I think more and more people will be checking out this web site and the history is an important element of this event. I expect as much input as necessary to make this a collective history. MichaelJ, Thanks. Your ideas were great… the changes you suggested have already been made… A 2005 closer??? Anyone?
dirt_girl
:flag:
UPDATED HISTORY:
The “Flags on the 48” event was established in response to the horrific terrorist attacks that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001.
Three days after the attacks several regular on-line users of the AMC Hiker Journal message forum, banded together and planned a hike the following day, intent on raising the largest American flag they could find from the summit of Mt. Liberty.
On September 15, 2001, these six hikers met at the White House Trailhead armed with a 96 square foot flag, 30 feet of PVC tubing, 100 feet of rope, 2 rolls of duct tape and a wealth of pride and determination. A slight gesture of compassion for such a horrendous loss, the American flag was raised on the summit of Mt. Liberty, paying tribute to the thousands of innocent people who perished in the attacks. This patriotic display received such tremendous amounts of positive feedback that a committee was formed to establish a larger, annual memorial. The “Flags on the 48” was given life.
On September 14, 2002 and again on September 13, 2003, several hundred patriotic and impassioned hikers embarked on a collective journey to raise American flags on all 48 of the 4,000+ foot summits in New Hampshire. This tribute to the sacrifice of life and our strength of unity as a nation, remains small in the scope of the enormity of all that has been lost. What began as a small tribute had gained tremendous support and involvement.
On September 11, 2004, for the first time in the history of the event, all 48 of the 4000+ summits hosted Old Glory! She was carried to the peaks by dedicated bands of hikers wishing to pay their respects to all the families and communities that grieve the ultimate and tragic loss of innocent lives. As a community we also carry in our hearts a heavy debt to the men and women who have unselfishly served and sacrificed to preserve our liberty.
On September 11, 2005, in solemn remembrance and with humble gratitude, we hope the American flag will again be unfurled from all 48 of the 4000+ summits.
From every mountain top, let freedom ring.
