It’s a breath-taking sight to behold. Utop the grand Matterhorn mountain on one of it’s devine peaks, is splayed the dazzling projection of the American flag. A rich red colors the visible stripes and the sparkling white stars stand-out beautifully in parallel to the solid somber blue of the sky laid out behind the mountain. The snow that coats the Matterhorn makes the flag look powerful, invincible in the face of a devastating blizzard. The image of the flag itself may be simple, but the emotions it evokes and the message behind it are anything but. The Swiss village behind the deed tells the world one meaningful sentiment- ‘We are with you.’

Starting on the night of March 24, light artist Gerry Hofstetter began his illuminous plan in displaying unity. The idea was to project the flags of different countries on one of Switzerland’s highest mountains, the Matterhorn. Every night since, a new glorious flag has been painted across the rocky canvas, including the flag of Japan, India, Germany, Spain, Portugal and France. 

The Zermatt Matterhorn tourism website gives some insight into the intentions of the projections. “With this light projection, Zermatt wants to give people a sign of hope and solidarity in these difficult times,” the site explains. “The village shows solidarity with all the people who are currently suffering and is grateful to all those who are helping to overcome the crisis.” This sentiment of togetherness has been remarkably impactful in America, a country that is currently going through the worst stages of the crisis. “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,” a caption on the Zermatt instagram page reads, “Our thoughts are with all American people during this unprecedented time.”

As the knowledge of the projections spread rapidly through social media and news outlets, one can only hope that the message spreads as well. The simple yet profound motto that we are all in this together; that from a village located next to snowy Swiss mountains to the quarantined cities of America, we are all one people.