New Hampshire residents and visitors will have a unique opportunity to witness a solemn tribute to the September 11, 2001 attacks. Between September 9 and September 12, from 8 p.m. to midnight each night, two intense beams of light will rise from the summit of Mount Washington, echoing New York City’s iconic Tribute in Light.
Local organizers bring a national remembrance to the White Mountains
The Honor Summit installation is the brainchild of Renee Plummer, director of the Granite Springs Foundation, a regional nonprofit dedicated to preserving New England’s natural and cultural heritage. With support from the state of New Hampshire and a coalition of regional partners, the project aims to make the 25th anniversary of 9/11 a shared, felt experience for families, veterans, first‑responders, and anyone whose life was touched by the tragedy.
“As we approach the 25th anniversary of 9/11, I find myself reflecting on how differently this day is experienced,” Plummer wrote on the organization’s website. “For many of us, the memory is immediate and deeply personal. For others, it is something learned—not lived. The Honor Summit was created to bridge that distance and ensure that this moment in our history is not only remembered but felt—together.”
How to view the beams
The light beams will be visible from over 100 miles on clear nights, reaching across the New England region. An interactive map on the Honor Summit website helps viewers locate optimal viewing spots east or west of the mountain, taking into account terrain and weather conditions. Because the Mount Washington Auto Road will remain closed to private vehicles during the event, organizers are offering guided tours that include safe, designated viewing areas.
Local towns such as Gorham, Pinkham Notch, and the historic village of Bethlehem are expected to draw the largest crowds. Residents are encouraged to share personal stories, photos, and videos on the project’s online portal, creating a living archive of remembrance that will accompany the light display.
Community response and ongoing support
The initiative has already sparked a wave of community involvement. Churches, veterans’ groups, and school districts across the state have pledged to host remembrance gatherings, prayer services, and educational programs that align with the tribute’s purpose. The Granite Springs Foundation continues to seek sponsors to fund the installation, maintenance, and outreach efforts.
“This is more than a visual spectacle; it’s a call to unite families, faith communities, and civic leaders around a shared commitment to honor those who gave everything on that fateful day,” said state Representative Sarah Keene, who plans to attend the opening night.
Looking ahead
Beyond the 2026 anniversary, the Honor Summit team hopes the light installation will become an annual fixture, reminding future generations of the values of sacrifice, resilience, and unity. The project underscores how local initiatives can amplify national remembrance, offering a tangible way for New Hampshire’s citizens to participate in a collective act of gratitude and reflection.
For more information, viewing tips, and ways to contribute stories, visit the Honor Summit website or follow the official Facebook page linked in the announcement.
Original reporting: NBC10 Boston — read the source article.
