A special summit

Twenty one years have passed since September 11, 2001.  As the day approaches each year, I feel reflective and solemn remembering the tragedy, the loss, and the helplessness.  What I was never aware of until this past weekend is that four months after that fateful day, a small group hiked Mt. Liberty in the White Mountains and raised an American flag on its peak.  In solidarity, in memorial, and in peace.  This event is called Flags on the 48.

A friend texted me to ask if I’d like to accompany her to Mt. Lincoln to raise a flag.  Ready for an adventure, I was all in.  After an early wake-up call and a drive to the trail head, we started meeting the others in our group and preparing for our hike.  We had a great group who clicked right away.  We shared the job of transporting the flag pole, the base, the flag, and various supplies.  We shared snacks along the way.  We shared stories.  And we shared laughter. 

The summit offered us unexpectedly clear and long range views.  We passed the binoculars around, so we could enjoy the endless White Mountain ranges, a slight haze due to CA wildfires, and the other flags also flying on the other 47 peaks.  The binoculars also came in handy to watch a bear grazing peacefully below us.

  

Each flag waved from 12-2pm, until the time came to dissemble our flag and start our descent.  The day was long and we were all a good tired as we approached the trail head after a full day on the mountain.  Our descent group traded information to enable us to connect on social media and we each headed home.  But not before a trip through McDonald’s drive-thru!

We can’t erase the sadness or tragedy or loss of life from September 11^th, but by taking part in events like Flags on the 48, we can replace the feelings of helplessness with purpose and pride.  Hikers summiting Mt. Lincoln showed such gratitude for our efforts.  We shared why we were there to other hikers who didn’t know about Flags on the 48.  Regardless of how much or how little hikers knew about it, everyone knew this was something special.  I felt so proud to do something bigger than me, to remember all who were lost and all who are still suffering today.  I hope this also helps others continue to remember back to 4 months post-September 11, 2001, when the first group hiked Mt. Liberty – in solidarity, in memorial, and in peace.