WRENTHAM - Local Boy Scout Troop 131 is participating for the fourth year in the Seventh Annual Flags on the 48 Memorial Hike on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The hike involves reaching the 48 4,000-plus foot summits in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, in memory of those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001 and in sympathy for their families.

Troop 131 in 2005 coordinated the American flag-raising over Mount Tecumseh. In 2006, troop members tackled Mount Hale, and in 2007 it was Middle Carter. This year, the troop is coordinating the 4,500-foot Mount Garfield.

The first hike in 2001 was an informal and spontaneous one by a group of six hikers moved by the horrific and detailed images of the attacks. They raised a large American flag on the first Saturday after the attacks from the summit of Mount Liberty. The tribute has grown significantly each year since.

Now hundreds of hikers are involved, from Boy Scout troops and veterans' groups to the every-day hikers. They make their way to the summits before noon, paying tribute by flying the American flag for two hours. Some hikers share the photos of family members and friends tragically lost, exchange stories of personal experiences, and play peaceful music.