Saturday September 11, 2004

Flags on the 48

On September 11th, 2001 the consciousness of United States of America was inexorably altered by an unprovoked and unjustifiable act of terrorism so far reaching in its scope, that our country will not soon heal from this wound. Thousands of innocent lives were lost in a fleeting moment as families still try to piece together their shattered lives and return to some semblance of normalcy.

We in the hiking community would like to honor those fallen heroes by flying the American flag atop of all 48 four thousand foot and higher mountains in New Hampshire on Saturday, September 11, 2004. By demonstrating our steadfast unity as Americans and as hikers, we hope to express our unwavering support to the families and to the communities whose losses are beyond comprehension and whose sacrifices will forever remain in our hearts.

We signed up for Mt Liberty.

The Flag Crew - (L to R)Danette, Geri, Emma, Julie, Bob in the back

A view of the flag on Mt Flume.

Mt Lincon in foreground, with Lafayette in the background.

Glen and friends flew a flag starting at 6 AM until our flag was raised at 10:45.

Emma and Geri raise the flag.

It's up! Our flag was 6' x 10' and flew from a 20' high flag pole.

We could not have asked for better weather. The views were breath taking.

The 6 AM crew prepares to depart. Much of the comments under the remaining photos are from the log book that allowed people to share their thoughts.

From the log book
What a great suprise to reach this peak just in time to watch the flag go up! God bless America and the rest of the world.

From the log book
Thanks to all who organize this event and carry the flags high in remeberance of the September 11th heroes. Climbing the Flume Slide trailI couldn't help but think about the firefighters climbing the stairs in the towers on their way to heaven. God Bless America.

From the log book
Great weather and great company including 3 dogs and a bird. Good views also.

From the log book
Good views, great day. Inspiring to see flags going up on neaby peaks.

From the log book
Nice to see a flag from my house. Thanks.

From the log book
Thank you for the flag. It's a great feeling to see it on this great mountain dancing with the wind. May all of this good energy be felt by those who grieve.

From the log book
Tough hike, but it was definately worth it. The view was immence. I will definately do this again..

From the log book
To reach the flag on the summit on 9-11 three years later is very meaningful for me, having been in the midst of the tragic chaos of New York in 2001. Great thanks to those who brought it up! It is definately a special and memorial day today.

From the log book
Nick and I hiked this - it is great fun, a little hard but well worth it in every way. It is probably the best day I've ever been hiking. Happy trails.

From the log book
This was great - the hike, the people, the flag - an honor to remember the 9-11-01 events. Thanks to all organizers - & to Bob & Geri & crew.

From the log book
I've thought about 9/11 and all the sorrow, the loss, incomprehensible violence. I also want to bear witness to the heroism, the compassion and love in it's aftermath. I am here with 7 church members including my 12 year old son and I bear witness on this day of amzing beauty. May I always remember, work for peace in our world and appreciate each day and live it fully. Thank you for "Flags on the 48"!.

From the log book
Awesome day! Super views! Will do this again and try for this special time every year! Thanks for the flag!.

From the log book
What an amazing hike - so thrilled to be here!

From the log book
What a great hiking day! Kudos to the flag crew that brought the Stars & Stripes up.

From the log book
What a great idea & tribute. Perfect day for hiking, great views & seeing the flag on top was a reward worthy of the effort, thanks for Flags on the 48.

From the log book
Great idea. Thank you - Andrew Curry Green - you are gone but not forgotten. We love you and miss you.

From the log book
A wonderfull day and a wonderfull crowd.

From the log book
Proud to be here - Thanks.

From the log book
This hike to the summit of Mt Liberty was so meaningful because by father is now in Iraq trying to make sure that tragic day never happens again. I love America and I love my father and right now I feel close to my fellow Americans and my Dad. Thank you Bob & Geri for taking me.

From the log book
This is the place to be!

From the log book
I ponder the thousands of lives changed forever by human selfishness & Greed, and by the power of natures winds & rain. I ponder how fragile life is, but how wonderful life can be or become even when overcome by tragedy. Focus on the beauty & goodness of this place & the essential goodness of people. May the energy of the mountains, the sun & skies & the energy of human goodness heal all wounds.

From the log book
A great climb with a lot of good energy from others making the climb. Peace!

This group of 17 were from a church group.

From the log book
Thanks for the hike planned by Mel B The "Flag Police" of the NH Gazette would have no complaints about the arrangements today. This mountain is liley the reason I am a happy healthy person when otherwise my emotions on this day would be very difficult to deal with.

From the log book
What a special day to be here. It's beyond beautiful & an incredable way to remember those who can't be here - those who died on 9-11, & those currently in Iraq. It's an honer to have Emma with us whose father is there now. We wish him a safe tour of duty.

From the log book
An awesome and inspiring way to reach my 100th. Thank you!

Some, but not all of the participants of the day. Many of us met at the Mooseland Grill in Twin Mountain to share our experinces of the day.

From the log book
Being up here today makes one glad to be alive and fortunant to be an American in the beautiful country.

From the log book
I feel honored to be able to share this day with friends and family and see the flags topping the ledges.

From the log book
An inspirational palce to spend this day. Awesome views!

From the log book
This was better than most things I would have done today

From the log book
An inspiration and worth the hard work. Liberty on 9/11 sounds right.

From the log book
I almost lost my breath (for the 100th time) as I broke though the foliage and saw the magnificent views. I am full of prayers and thanks. God Bless America and God bless the families of fallen loved ones!

From the log book
Count your blessings - God bless America

From the log book
Just glad to be on the summit of Liberty with such a wonderful view. The flag definately added a new experience. 3 finished - 45 more to go!

From the log book
What a great place to reflect as we look at the views & the flag.

From the log book
Hard hike, unbelievable views! Thank you for the flags and the rememberance of Liberty for all!

From the log book
Sweet land of Mt Liberty

From the log book
This is the best view I have ever seen and the flag made it that much more beautiful.

From the log book
A beautiful day to remember. Look forward to more beautiful days. Thank you for remembering.

From the log book
What a special day! September 11th on Mt Liberty. The kind words and encouragement from all the people that shared this peak today goes beyond words. Hearing people tell us that the sight of the flag brought tears to their eyes was touching. Perfect weather! New friends - new memories. The view of the other flags & the mountains makes one very happy to be alive and proud to be an American. God Bless America!

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