http://wabi.tv/2015/10/17/summit-project-honors-fallen-maine-veterans-at-acadia-national-park/
Hiking with heroes.
That’s what more than three dozen people set off to do this morning in Acadia National Park.
Hikers gathered at Thompson Island Park after a hike up Cadillac Mountain carrying stones honoring fallen Maine veterans.
It’s part of the Summit Project, an effort to preserve the memories of Maine veterans killed in combat after 9-11.
The stones come from a place of significance to the veteran they represent, often picked out by a loved one.
After the climb, hikers shared what they learned about the hero they carried.
“It’s emotional. Everyone has a script of what they want to say going up and usually whatever comes up comes up. It’s emotional, it’s good it’s healing. It brings out a lot of points that maybe you didn’t realize on the way up when you started speaking but things really hit you in the heart come out,” said Mike Winslow, a team leader.
“We keep those memories alive because we recognize those individuals can continue to inspire, continue To influence and lead us and help us make better decisions in the future,” said David Cote, the founder of the Summit Project.
This is the second time hikers ascended Cadillac Mountain. There are other Summit Project trips planned throughout the year.