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New Hampshire's rugged beauty has etched within my soul unforgettable lessons. Memories uniquely attributed to God and His use of Mountains and Men are hid beneath the deepest depths of a man's private thoughts. During the winter of 2004 while stationed elsewhere serving the U.S. Army, I learned of the falling of the Natural monument. That morning I had seen five Soldiers off as they embarked on a journey that would take them to the current theater of operation in the Middle East. I was relating to our Commander of the rough New Hampshire winter, as described to me from my parents who were working through it, who was also a New Hampshire native. He mentioned that the "Old Man" was gone and the effect it had on those of his family who lived in the area of the Notch. Primarily, I thought he was speaking of the death of Niels F.F. Nielsen, Jr. who had died in Laconia, NH in 2001. Speaking on the subject further, I understood that he was referring to the natural monument and not the man who epitomized the "Old Man." Poetically, I sit and wonder, how is it that, so shortly after the Mountain's caretaker passed from here that also the Old Man of the Mountain left. Daniel Webster's poem of the Men of New Hampshire, spoke of what he saw as a country where God Almighty stated Men were made. "Men hang out their signs indicative of their trades; shoe makers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers a monster watch, and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth; but up in the Mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung up a sign to show that there He makes men." I am curious in this day and age, have Men ceased to be? Utmost respect to Mr. Nielsen & his comrade, The Old Man of the Mountain.
James A. Norris, Abroad, with the Mountains within
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Hi this is Alex Walsh and I want to tell you about my mom and dad's memories and my memories of the Old Man of the Mountain. My mom and dad used to see him all the time when they were dating and when they didn't have me. My grandma and grandpa took me up there on a cold and windy day where I couldn't see anything but then when I used my binoculars I could see him. It was a tragic loss to New Hampshire and my family as well. As I drew pictures to my girlfriend Nicole, she kept on saying that she was sorry for New Hampshire as well. I didn't know he fell until the day I heard it on the news. He was a beautiful spotlight for New Hampshire as he was watching over us.... Thanks.
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Brief description of concept: ...the Old Man in his prime overlooking a large cemetery field of white crosses...
The Will Of A Rock
Some people think a rock can't talk,
But, as you can see,
I'm not just any old rock,
A lot of good people gave me a spirit,
And I've got things I need to say,
A tribute or two that I need to pay,
And I want everyone to see and hear it.
You see them Crosses out there?
Well, some of them are for
New Hampshire Sons and Daughters!
They believed in a Creed,
"Live Free Or Die,"
And they answered a call,
Now their graffiti of arms, legs and lives
Are scattered all over the wall
Of God's Magnificent Hall,
As for my remains,
I would be pleased
If little parts of me,
Could be placed near or with
Each New Hampshire Star
That surrenders life
In the line of honor and duty
After the date: 5/3/2003.
And when the last little me is gone
I'll be at peace and rest
Knowing that I'm all over this State
And side by side with New Hampshire's
Very best!
Submitted by Paul Mason
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