On July 4, 1911, Colorado National Monument's first park ranger, John Otto, climbed to the top of Independence Monument and raised an American flag, which could be seen all across the canyons of Colorado National Monument. Climbers have continued this tradition for more than 100 years. In recent years, the local search and rescue team has led the climbing trip, and park visitors gather in the canyon and at the overlook to watch. Here's a little more info about the tradition: http://www.nps.gov/colm/historyculture/freedom-flies-high.htm
Another ranger and I worked at a tent at the Independence Monument Overlook. We set up spotting scopes to watch the climbers, handed out little flags, and answered questions about the monument, the tradition, and John Otto. It was a blast watching the climbers ascend and talking with incredulous visitors. There was even a news crew from Denver that came to cover the event. I really enjoyed seeing the foreign visitors waving their American flags.
Here's a photos of our tent at the overlook.
They made it! It wasn't very windy, but you can see the flag up on top. You can see some of the steps that John Otto carved into the sandstone going up the right side to the top. Click the photo enlarge.
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