This year marks the 70th anniversary of the completion of the Mount Rushmore carving. With more than 3 million visitors in 2010, it is recognized internationally as a symbol of freedom, patriotism and democracy.
There are lots of camping spots around Mt. Rushmore and I chose a KOA between the Mt. Rushmore and the Crazy Horse Memorial. I checked in, put up the tent and headed for the evening lighting ceremony.
I admit to many tears during the ceremony as it celebrated not only our freedoms but those that fought for those freedoms. My dad stormed the beach at Iwo Jima in WWII and my brother was in Vietnam during the Tet offensive, both proud United States Marines.
“My plan is to make Rushmore a center in the heart of America so attractive, so comprehending, that the inevitable visiting world will assemble there with something more than curiosity, and go away with something more than wonder.” Sculptor Gutzon Borglum
Cathy