Independence Day Celebrated With Monumental Flag Raising

The park commemorated Independence Day by raising “Old Glory” 450 vertical feet from the canyon floor to the top of Independence Monument, the tallest free-standing rock formation in the park. As 40 rock climbers scaled to the top of Independence Monument, two interpretive programs took place at scenic overlooks along the rim of Wedding and Monument Canyons. After the last climber worked his way through the final crux move of the climb, the climbing team gathered to raise the American flag.  As the stars and strips began to show, the crowd cheered to the accompaniment of the Star Spangled Banner trumpeting across the canyons.  Mesa County’s technical search and rescue team continues a tradition today that the legendary John Otto started over 96 years ago.