On July 9 we made the trip to Mt. Rushmore for the evening lighting ceremony. Let me say that if you visit this place you need to stay for the evening program if at all possible.Here we see the sculpture in full sun. You can view the momument through each of the tunnels as you approach via 16A.The program begins at 9 pm and the actual lighting of the faces at about 9:45. We drove first up through the highway 16A route on the way to Keystone just to see those impressive tunnels once more and to take some pictures of the effect that they give. This is one of the more impressive approaches to the Rushmore area and gives some very unique views. This is not a road for travel with your RV but is well worth a special trip to see it and the views of Mt. Rushmore.

After the trip over this interesting and scenic road we then drove into Keystone where we had dinner. We have now eaten in Keystone on three occasions and find the food to have been best at Teddy's Deli for sandwiches while both places we had dinner were very high priced, didn't have most of what they advertise and the food was at best, MAT (makes a turd) food in quality.  About 6 pm we drove on up to the monument for the evening program. We chose to arrive early in order to be sure of seat selection and while that may be a good idea, we were earlier that really needed. But we spent some time looking around again and this is also a place we find easy to just pause for reflection.

As darkness falls the faces become less clear but remain interesting.As the sun sets it is interesting to watch the effect of light angles on the faces. Being a camera buff I found myself shooting numerous pictures in an The ranger program was very interesting and unique! attempt to capture the effects but with limited results. Just before 9 pm the ranger arrived and spent some time visiting those in the audience and promptly at 9 he began his opening remarks. He opened by taking us on a trip through history with a series of events which took place on July 9, such as Thomas Edison's kite flying experiment and the recording of a patent for the doughnut cutter!  He must have listed at least one event for every 5/10 year period of history since the American Revolution. The presentation was followed by a film that told the story of the monument and a brief history of the part each of the four men played in our country's history that caused him to be chosen for the sculpture. As the film nears the end the lights pointed to the monument are slowly brought up, subutly at first and then to full display!

The veterans and active duty military members gather for lowering of the flag.At the closing of the evening program the ranger asked all active duty members of the military and all veterans to please join him on the stage to assist in the lowering of the flag and to serve as an honor guard for the closing. I felt honored to be given a part in this closing of the program as did many other veterans who moved down to the stage. There were a very large number of us and we were a wide range in age and experience with one 18 year old who was home on leave from boot-camp and on up to a veteran of the Korean War who told me that he was 89 years old! It was truly a thrill to have been a part of such a special gathering. But the very best part of this story is yet to be told.

The lights remain on the faces as the corwd quietly leaves the ampitheater.

As we were departing from the stage area we all exchanged introductions and a young man came up to assist the Korean war veteran as he was quite infirm. I introduced myself to the fellow of perhaps 30 years or less. He told me that he was not a veteran but had overheard the older man wishing that he were able to go down and participate but doubting that he was physically able and so he just asked to be allowed to help that older veteran get down to participate and then back to his group that he came with.  He was not a part of the veteran's party and didn't even know who the veteran was, but just had a sense of what it might mean to the older gentleman. When I began to thank him for his thoughtfulness, he responded by introducing the veteran and then quickly faded away into the crowd, declining any form of gratitude from either the Korean vet or myself. What a truly remarkable young man this fellow must be.  He made my day as he demonstrated that there are still young people here who have an appreciation for what our forbearers have done for us! Whoever that fellow is, he is part of the hope for America's future!