The “Honor Summit” light installation illuminated the night sky atop Mount Washington for the first time Wednesday, marking the first 9/11 memorial of its kind in New England. Inspired by New York City’s “Tribute in Light,” the display projects two powerful beams into the atmosphere from the highest peak in the Northeast, commemorating the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Schedule and Duration
The twin beams will be visible nightly from 8 p.m. to midnight through Saturday, Sept. 12. Organizers confirmed the installation received final approval in August from state park officials after agreeing to environmental safeguards, including a shutdown protocol to protect wildlife disturbed by the lights.
Organizers, Sponsors, and Beneficiaries
The project was spearheaded by Renee Plummer, a Portsmouth businesswoman and founder of the Granite Springs Foundation. The nonprofit organized the event with backing from corporate sponsors, including utility giant Eversource, which provides the power for the nightly illumination.
The foundation has pledged to donate all remaining sponsorship funds to four veteran and first responder organizations: Harbor Care, Delta Dogs, Hidden Battles, and Camp Resilience.
Visibility Range Across New England
Positioned at over 6,000 feet above sea level, the lights are visible across a 135-mile radius when weather permits. Officials estimate the beams can be seen as far away as Boston. The Honor Summit website maintains a list of suggested viewing locations, currently limited to spots in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine, with more locations to be added as the display progresses.
Cloud cover and rain obscured the mountain on Wednesday night, according to the Mount Washington Valley Chamber of Commerce, but hopeful viewers in areas like Pembroke have calculated favorable sightlines for clear conditions.
Viewing Options Near the Summit
For those seeking a guaranteed vantage point near the mountain, several organized experiences are available:
Omni Mount Washington Resort & Spa
The resort near the Bretton Woods ski area is offering public access to its Veranda and Observatory Bar. Guests are required to pay for parking.
Mount Washington Auto Road Van Tours
Van tours to the summit operate Friday and Saturday nights, departing at 7:15 p.m. for a roughly one-hour viewing window. Tours are fully booked as of Thursday, though waitlist spots remain available.
Mount Washington Cog Railway Tribute Rides
Special 9/11 tribute trains depart Marshfield Station at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, ascending to the summit as the beams activate. Tickets cost $119.00, with $9.11 from each purchase donated to the summit foundation.
Pleasant Mountain, Maine
Pleasant Mountain is opening its ski lift on Friday night, transporting visitors up Haggett’s ski trail for an elevated view. The viewing area will remain unlit to preserve visibility. Passes cost $10 for adults and $5 for children five and under. The first chair ascends at 7 p.m., with the last ride down at 9:30 p.m. Closed-toe shoes are required and headlamps are recommended.
Best Night for Viewing: Friday
According to the National Weather Service, Friday night offers the optimal viewing window. Forecasts predict clear skies across most of the region, including Boston, Worcester, Concord, Manchester, Burlington, and Portland. Cloud cover is expected to return Saturday night, potentially obstructing the display.
Bryan Hecht can be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram @bhechtjournalism.
