[RJ]

in reply to: The Web Page #48562

Greg and I have tentatively worked out an arrangement pending approval from the committee where people can e-mail me and I can add their names and other information to the list of mountains that I keep on Microsoft Access. I can then e-mail Greg the list after I have converted it to an html file and he can post it on his page. I personal like the database Access because it allows me to manipulate the data in a number of ways that will give us more versatility in how we view the information. By the way, do you find the term “The Committee” a tad too Kafkaesque?

[RJ]

in reply to: Setting the Date (was: I’ll start) #48506

I must say as I reflect on which date would be the most appropriate, the more I tend to side with the 11th. My fear is that if we choose the 14th, our solemn event will turn into a media circus. I realize that by choosing the 11th some people might be excluded by circumstances beyond their control, but to me the act of raising a flag on a mountain to commemorate the victims of the WTC is a deeply personal one and must not be cheapened by others who might see this as an opportunity to further a cause.

To be honest, I’m not sure how I feel about even alerting the “media” to this event. If we do, which media outlets should be called? The way the media can turn any event, no matter how solemn, into a cheap tabloid spectacle has we worried. Gale mentioned something about school children being involved. I don’t mean to disagree with Gale, but the thought of a bunch of children parading up a mountain to raise a flag without even the smallest understanding of what it represents, send shivers down my back. Yes they may understand that people died on the 11th, but in no way do they have the emotional wherewithal to appreciate what we are trying to achieve. To them it’s a field trip, nothing more. Obviously if a parent is participating and wants to include their child, that is their choice, I would just caution against making children the major participants or the focus of the event.

Please understand, I do not wish to anger or upset anyone, all I am trying to say is that to me raising a flag on a mountain is extremely personal and should be treated with as much respect as one can muster. This event can easily get out of hand as the HJ discussion has proven, so I would like to caution everyone to keep their eye on the goal, which is namely a solemn event to commemorate our lost citizens.

[ This Message was edited by: RJ on 2001-09-26 12:50 ]

[RJ]

in reply to: Raise other nations’ flags? #48515

I agree with your point Mary that the American flag should be the prominent symbol. I guess I’m trying to appease everyone and every point. Obviously if I continue to do that, we will never accomplish our goal.

[RJ]

in reply to: Setting the Date (was: I’ll start) #48505

I’m sure the one’s who select the more remote peaks will take into account the travel and hiking time to achieve their goal. I will probably come up on the evening of the 10th so I can start early on the 11th if that is the date we ultimately select.

[RJ]

in reply to: Raise other nations’ flags? #48513

I think others who have mentioned the fact that not just Americans were killed, have a valid point. Logistically, however, it might be hard to represent all the nations that were affected unless we raise a world flag (is there such a thing) or a United Nations flag, or find another way to represent those nations who lost citizens as well.

[RJ]

in reply to: Setting the Date (was: I’ll start) #48502

The thing that I find the scariest is that I probably encountered several of the more vocal hikers at HJ on a trail or two this summer and didn’t know it. Thank goodness I didn’t say anything that might be considered controversial as I passed them.

When I first saw the post about flying a flag on one or two mountains to commemorate the anniversary of the WTC tragedy, I couldn’t fathom that anyone would actually object to such a selfless act. Gee, was I wrong!!

[RJ]

in reply to: Setting the Date (was: I’ll start) #48498

Hi all:

I agree with both Robert and Mary that we should not be lead astray by the petty bickering in HJ. I originally liked the 9/14/02 date because it allowed more people to participate given that it is a weekend. However, 9/11/02 would be a good choice as well for two reasons. First, it is the actual date of the tragedy and that might be more appropriate. Second, by having it midweek (Wednesday) we avoid the criticism that we are taking over all the 48 mountains for the event. I doubt we will encounter too many hikers on a Wednesday in September. I will just take a vacation day for the event and I’m sure others can do the same. However, I can go either way on this one.

[RJ]

in reply to: The List #48511

AlpineZone is the official web page for the “Flags on the 48.” I can post my e-mail and start to compile names of hikers matched to which mountain they wish to climb. However, I thought we would wait a while before doing so since we haven’t discussed how we would like to proceed. I would like to talk with Mary and Greg before I start posting names of participants.

[RJ]

in reply to: Setting the Date (was: I’ll start) #48492

You all have valid points about which date would best represent our mission. I personally like 9/14/2002 for two reasons. First, it is the closest to the actual day. Second, that date being the National Remembrance Day would booster the awareness people would have to the mission since other communities throughout our Nation would also be hosting similar events memorializing the loss of our citizens. We have a year to plan this, so we are not going to solve all our logistic problems in one weekend. We all have a heightened sense of resolve at this moment, so after a little time and reflection, I believe we can reach an agreement on how best to proceed.

I will be gone until Monday, so I would like to discuss our options with Mary, Greg, and a few others who have expressed some interest in be part of the planning committee. This form was created so everyone can express open opinions and support for our mission.

To answer your question Head (wall) Hunter, next year a number of the hiking community will on a specific date (we are deciding that now) climb all 48 four thousand foot mountains in NH and display the American flag for an hour or two (another decision) to memorialize our fallen citizens who died in the World Trade Center. We will post all 48 mountains so hikers can then e-mail me or others (another decision) and I will put your name next to the mountain you wish to climb on that specific date. Our goal or mission is to have a hiker(s) on every four thousand foot mountain at 12:00noon of the date we choose to display the American flag and have a moment of silence to remember our fallen heroes.

[Author]

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