Western View in Augusta Could Offer a Look at Massive 9/11 Tribute Beams

A powerful tribute marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks could be visible from parts of Central Maine this week.

From September 9 through September 12, two massive beams of light will shine into the night sky from the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire as part of an event known as The Honor Summit.

The display was inspired by the twin beams used in New York City to remember the World Trade Center towers and is intended to honor the nearly 3,000 people killed on September 11, 2001, along with the first responders who answered the call and the veterans who have served since.

The beams are scheduled to shine each night from 8 p.m. until midnight from the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington.

Organizers say the lights will stretch several miles into the sky and, depending on weather and atmospheric conditions, could be visible from more than 100 miles away.

That could make Augusta one of the Maine communities with a chance to see the tribute.

Western View Golf, Pub & Events on Bolton Hill Road in Augusta recently called attention to the upcoming display. The location sits high above the city and is known for its sweeping western views, including views extending toward Mount Washington on clear days.

That could potentially make Western View and other elevated locations around Central Maine interesting places to look toward the western horizon once the beams are illuminated.

Officially recommended Maine viewing locations include Hacker’s Hill Preserve in Casco, Height of Land in Roxbury and Quill Hill in Rangeley.

Organizers say areas east and west of Mount Washington will generally have the best chance of seeing the two individual columns of light. From other angles or greater distances, the beams may appear closer together.

The Honor Summit was created by Renee Plummer of the Granite Springs Foundation specifically to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11.

Whether the lights are visible from Augusta will ultimately depend heavily on clouds, haze and other weather conditions, but with Mount Washington roughly within the advertised viewing radius, Central Mainers may want to look west after dark this week.

The tribute will run Wednesday, September 9, through Saturday, September 12.