Climb the Glass Mountain is proud to announce the organizing of our sixth annual Edgedancer’s Hike in majestic Yosemite National park in honor of California’s Purple Heart Day (PHD ) and Guadalcanal Day (GD).
The hike, which occurs on August 7th, Gudalcanal/Purple Heart Day, is an eight-mile trek up to the top of Half Dome.
The annual hike is named Fortunate Sons – The Lewis B. Puller Memorial Hike in honor of the disabled Vietnam veteran and author, son of legendary Marine Lt. Gen. Lewis B. “Chesty” Puller and it has as parallel Memorial Hikes: the Princess Diana and the Stuart Udall groups and the Pat Tillman Memorial Football Game.
The idea to turn the hike into a memorial was inspired by fallen Cpl. Mark A. Evnin who was killed during combat operations April 3, 2003, in Iraq”, said Philip Aaron, an organizer for the event, “ and it recognizes and commemorates the sacrifices made by service members fighting in the Global War on Terrorism. The goal is to inspire people to appreciate the nation’s servicemen and women and honor those who have sacrificed their lives or parts of themselves; everything came about in an attempt to bring public awareness to the warriors, past and present, who have given so much for their country”.
The goal for the hike is to bring wounded warriors up to the top of Half Dome – the experience of being at the top of Half Dome will be a “paradigm shift,” or a change from one way of thinking to another. It can give wounded warriors a new outlook about life and their experiences. “It’s a rather difficult trek up the mountain and completing the hike is quite an accomplishment giving the participants, many of whom will be wounded veterans and caregivers, the inspiration to push themselves beyond his/her normal comfort level.
Marines, retired and currently serving, sailors, civilian friends and family members including groups of retired generals and chaplains have made the hike.
Hiking will begin on Aug 7, PHD/GD at Happy Isles and continue through Vernal Falls, which is also known as the ‘Mist trail.’ After a stop at the Emerald Pool for lunch and swim the group will proceed up to Nevada Falls then to the Cables. Once participants reach the summit, a small ceremony is held followed by a brief prayer. Photos of those being remembered are placed on the mountain to create a small memorial in their name. Those who cannot participate in the hike can participate in a simultaneous ceremony from Glacier Point, which overlooks Yosemite Valley, the most spectacular spot in the world. A small ceremony to commemorate the sacrifices made by all of America’s heroes past and present and those who have been recipients of the Purple Heart will be held place on at Glacier Point.
Organizers for the hike are seeking volunteers to plan and support our annual event.
To volunteer and for more information contact Philip Aaron: phone (718)670-6718 or e-mail theedgedancer@gmail.com.