American flag projected onto Matterhorn in Swiss Alps for coronavirus solidarity
Oh, say can you see!
An artist projected an image of Old Glory onto the famous Matterhorn mountain in the Swiss Alps Wednesday as a part of a series to spread hope and solidarity, stunning images show.
Gerry Hofstetter, a light artist known for transforming buildings and landscapes all over the world into temporary art projects, was selected to illuminate the mountain daily starting March 24, according to Zermatt Matterhorn — a website that promotes tourism to the local town of Zermatt.
“As it stands, the USA, is the country that has been most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis with the highest number of confirmed cases. Our thoughts are with all American people at this unprecedented time,” a release from Zermatt Matterhorn reads. “May our message convey solidarity and give you hope and strength. We look forward to meeting again at the foot of the Matterhorn, we are all in this together.”
The Embassy of Switzerland in the United States posted an image of the American flag projection with a message for Americans.
“INCREDIBLE! As a sign of solidarity, the American flag was projected onto the Matterhorn last night. Switzerland is sending hope and strength to the United States of America,” the caption of the post reads.
Hofstetter has also projected the flags of Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, France and Italy — as well as textual messages including “#StayAtHome” and #AllOfUs — onto the 14,690-foot tall mountain.
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“Switzerland and Japan have maintained a close exchange for many decades. With Myoko and Fujikawaguchiko, Zermatt has two sister cities in the land of the rising sun. We greet our Japanese friends, partners and guests and send them a sign of hope and strength to overcome this unusual and difficult time,” Zermatt Matterhorn wrote to honor the county.