On March 27, 2025, Joe Evermore and his two sons, Sam and Sylvan, embarked on a remarkable journey they Scaled Moonlight Buttress in Zion National Park. Their mission was not just about conquering the sheer sandstone cliffs but also about making a patriotic statement by hanging an American flag at the summit. Evermore, a father of four, wanted his children to appreciate and honor their country.
The trio spent two nights on the cliffside, carefully making their way up the iconic rock formation. For Evermore, this was more than just an adventurous climb; it was an opportunity to instill a love for America and its values in his sons.
He was inspired to undertake this task after seeing upside-down American flags in protest against the Trump Administration’s efforts to reduce the federal workforce. This imagery struck a chord with him, prompting him to take action and show a different perspective on patriotism.
“I just want my kids to love America and to contribute,” Joe Evermore said. “There’s a history of climbers bringing flags. That’s something that has always been there. Like when people summit mountains — they bring flags.”
A Patriotic Climb for a Father and His Sons
During the climb, Joe Evermore took the time to have deep and meaningful discussions with his sons. They talked about what the American flag represents, the freedoms they enjoy as citizens, and the importance of preserving public lands. He emphasized that the U.S. has some of the best national parks in the world, well-preserved and maintained with a strong “Leave No Trace” ethic.
Sam and Sylvan, aged 10 and 8, embraced these discussions with curiosity and enthusiasm. Sam reflected on America’s role in global history, stating, “America has helped so many people. It has ended slavery. And when I get older, I can have a gun.”
Sylvan, on the other hand, expressed appreciation for the freedom of speech and the endless possibilities available to him in the U.S. “The other thing I like about America is that I can go to space and I can be a rock star,” he said.
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Evermore believes that understanding and appreciating one’s country fosters a sense of responsibility. He encouraged his children to think about ways they could contribute to their community and protect public lands.
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He also highlighted the importance of volunteering and supporting organizations like the Zion Forever Project, which works to maintain the national park’s pristine beauty.
“When it’s yours, you feel a sense of responsibility for it, and you want to care for it,” Evermore said. “That kind of freedom is extremely rare in human history. My kids can dream big here. Whether they want to be an astronaut, a teacher, a doctor, or a mountaineer, they have the opportunity to contribute to the world within their own design. These are things we should never take for granted.”
A Lesson in Patriotism and Public Lands Advocacy
This was not the first major climb for the Evermore family. In 2022, Sam, then 8 years old, became the youngest person to summit El Capitan in Yosemite National Park. He has since climbed within 1,000 feet of the Matterhorn peak and is planning another attempt.
Sylvan, not to be left behind, successfully climbed the Leaning Tower in Yosemite last year and is preparing for his own ascent of El Capitan later this year. Moonlight Buttress served as his training wall for this ambitious goal.
The Evermore family follows a unique approach to setting and achieving goals. According to Joe, their goals follow three fundamental rules:
- They must be significant enough to require daily effort.
- They must be visually remarkable and inspiring.
- They must be pursued with safety as a top priority.
“And so we try to do the goals as safe as possible,” Evermore said.
While the climb was a personal journey for the family, it also touched upon the broader topic of First Amendment rights in national parks. According to Zion National Park Public Affairs Specialist Matthew A. Fink, there are no specific regulations against displaying flags, but the Code of Federal Regulations prohibits vandalism, abandoning property, and leaving items unattended for over 24 hours.
“We ask visitors not to leave materials in the park or alter the landscape,” Fink said. “In addition to being unlawful, such actions require park employees to dedicate time and resources to restore the land to its natural state.”
Zion National Park has designated areas for First Amendment demonstrations to balance public expression with conservation efforts. However, Joe Evermore’s flag-hanging was not within one of these designated areas. A similar incident occurred on March 12, when an American flag was displayed at Great Arch, which is also outside of the designated areas.
The Evermore family’s climb up Moonlight Buttress was more than an athletic feat—it was a heartfelt tribute to America and a lesson in perseverance, responsibility, and patriotism. For Joe Evermore, this journey was a way to ensure his children grow up with an appreciation for their country and its freedoms.
By scaling one of the most challenging rock formations in Zion National Park and hanging the American flag, the Evermore family demonstrated their dedication to both adventure and national pride. Their climb sparked discussions about freedom, responsibility, and the importance of preserving America’s natural landscapes.
While some may debate the appropriateness of displaying symbols in national parks, there is no doubt that this father-son trio’s journey was one of passion, determination, and a deep love for their country.