January 27 , 2008

Standing at the tombstone of Thomas Jefferson years ago, I was surprised to

read his epitaph:

 

HERE WAS BURIED

THOMAS JEFFERSON

AUTHOR OF THE DECLARATION OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE

OF THE STATUTE OF VIRGINIA FOR RELIGIOUS FREEDOM AND FATHER OF THE

UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

 

 

It seems that our third president desired a tombstone reflecting the things

he had given the people, not the things that the people had given to him.

 

Upon reading of the death of Sir Edmund Hilary a couple of weeks ago,

Jefferson’s epitaph came to mind.

This New Zealander, along with the Sherpa tribe member Tenzing Norgay, were

the first to reach the staggering height of Mt Everest (29,035 feet) in

northern Nepal. They became instant celebrities.

 

It was one of the defining moments of the 20th century and they arrived at

Everest’s summit as a young queen named Elizabeth was being crowned in

England. Upon hearing of this accomplishment, she knighted Hilary and gave

Tenzing Norgay the highest civilian award.

 

Fifteen previous expeditions had failed. Although the North Pole and South

Pole had been reached several decades before, Everest seemed beyond mortals.

 

Such accolades might have been enough for one to rest upon for life’s

remainder. But Hilary’s friendship with Tenzing gave him a deep love and

respect for the people of Nepal. Noting the difficult social problems of

this country and lack of schools, with their permission, Hilary founded the

Himalayan Trust and assisted in the building of numerous schools, hospitals

and clinics. He was made an honorary citizen of Nepal.

 

Toward the end of his life he remarked: “I have been fortunate enough to be

involved in many exciting adventures. But when I look back over my life, I

have little doubt that the most worthwhile things I have done have not been

standing on the summits of mountains or at the North and South Poles, great

experiences though they were. My most important projects have been the

building and maintaining of schools and medical clinics for my good friends

in the Himalayas – that has given me more satisfaction than a footprint on a

mountain.”

 

Jan Morris, who accompanied this expedition in 1953, later wrote these words

that appeared in Time Magazines 100 Most Important Peole of the Cenutry:

Did it really mean much to the human race when Everest was conquered for the

first time? Only because there became attached to the memory of the

exploit, in the years that followed, a reputation for decency, kindness and

stylish simplicity.