"I have walked the land in the footsteps of my fathers. Back in time to where the first one trod, and
stopped, saw sky, felt wind, bent to touch Mother Earth.....and called this "Home." This mountain.
This pine and hemlock, oak and poplar. Laurel, wild, and rhododendron. Home and mountain.
Father, mother. Grow, too the sons and daughters. To walk the old paths. To look back in pride in
honored heritage. To hear its laughter and its song. To grow, to stand and be themselves, one day
remembered. I have walked the land in the footsteps of all my fathers. I saw yesterday and now
look to tomorrow." (Earl Hamner)