May 23, 2026: Today the Portland Elks Lodge hosted The Summit Project riders. 
TSP stones and stories have been shared on Katahdin, Cadillac, Kilimanjaro, Everest, Denali and been carried through parades, marathons and marches all across Maine. For Portland’s annually sponsored event the riders each carry a stone, engraved with a fallen heroes name on it, to Mt Katahdin where a living memorial is being built.
Accompanied by Maine State Troopers, the riders begin their journey after a light breakfast is provided at the Lodge. Ladder trucks from the Portland and South Portland Fire Departments rise the flag for riders to pass through as they begin their journey.
It’s a very moving tribute and many volunteers from the Lodge were on hand today to thank the riders as they left our parking lot.
Many thanks to Martha Binette for coordinating this every year and to the Portland Team, and to all the Elks who helped out. It’s a proud day to be an Elk.