Mount Rushmore

 Can you name the Presidents whose heads are on Mt. Rushmore? No Googling!

Before the carving began

It is hard to imagine this iconic mountain without the heads of the four US Presidents carved in the granite. But in 1927, for most, it was hard to imagine the mountain with the presidential sculptures. Not so for Gutzon Borglum, the man with the vision and talent to sculpt the four presidents. 

The four presidents represent the
birth, expansion, development, and preservation of the US.

The Avenue of the Flags leads towards the monument, with the state and territory flags framing the presidents. I was intent on getting Florida's flag, and missed the chance to get the bigger picture. So I borrowed one. Thanks, Kristi.

We returned later for the Evening Lighting Ceremony, a patriotic celebration of our nation.  Arriving at dusk, we enjoyed watching the changing light on the monument while patriotic music played. Soon, a ranger spoke of her American story, and as dusk moved to night, we watched a video by the Discovery Channel. By now the monument was dark. 

The ranger flipped the "magic switch" and the sculpture and the Avenue of Flags were illuminated. Wow! Impressive! The ranger then invited active duty military, veterans, and gold star families in the audience to come forward, while a standing ovation acknowledged their sacrifices.

We noticed a glint in Washington's left eye, and Dave captured this image. It appears both Washington and Jefferson are a bit teary after the ceremony. I was, too.

If you ever go to Mt. Rushmore in the summer, you absolutely must attend the Evening Lighting Ceremony. Phenomenal!