Matterhorn in Swiss Alps lit up with American flag in show of solidarity during coronavirus

The famous Matterhorn mountain in the Swiss Alps was illuminated with an American flag this week in a show of solidarity for the U.S. during the coronavirus pandemic.

Light artist Gerry Hoffstetter projected the flag onto the 14,692 foot peak on Thursday as part of a nightly series supporting those combating COVID-19.

“Our thoughts are with all American people at this unprecedented time. We look forward to meeting again at the foot of the Matterhorn, we are all in this together,” the tourism organization Zermatt Matterhorn wrote on its Facebook page.

Jacque Pitteloud, the Swiss ambassador to the U.S., called it a “magnificent” display.

Magnificent! Last night, #Switzerland sent a message of #hope and solidarity to the US by projecting the American flag onto the peak of the iconic #Swiss mountain, the Matterhorn. @zermatt_tourism pic.twitter.com/YntCsEJG1A

— Jacques Pitteloud (@SwissAmbUSA) April 16, 2020

The United States is the country with the most coronavirus cases in the world. As of Friday, there has been 679,374 confirmed cases and 34,180 deaths, according to a database from Johns Hopkins University.

“The Matterhorn has always been a symbol of Switzerland and a place of strength and stability. Zermatt is convinced: as strong as the Matterhorn, so strong must the society stand together, be anchored and let the storm pass,” Zermatt wrote online.

The daily projections have been illuminating the mountain since the end of March, including messages like “#Hope” and flags from different countries. 

We greet our Japanese friends, partners and guests and send them a sign of hope and strength to overcome this unusual and difficult time. #Japan #Zermatt #Matterhorn @nhk_news @Yomiuri_Online @asahi @mainichi @japantimes https://t.co/qFjiKvhokc pic.twitter.com/tTX7UJrBag

— Zermatt – Matterhorn (@zermatt_tourism) April 15, 2020

Mit der deutschen Flagge auf dem Matterhorn senden wir ein Zeichen der Solidarität über die derzeit geschlossenen Grenzen. #Deutschland #Zermatt #Matterhorn@BILD @SZ @faznet @welt pic.twitter.com/2PrKxYVGGq

— Zermatt – Matterhorn (@zermatt_tourism) April 15, 2020