Lassen Volcanic National Park
PO Box 100
Mineral, CA 96063
November 22, 2009
To Lassen Volcanic National Park Service Superintendent,
I am writing this letter to request that Lassen Peak Trail be renamed in memory of Tommy
Botell.
As the great, great granddaughter of Lance Graham, who was on Mt. Lassen when it erupted
in 1915, I have always felt a special historical connection to the mountain as well as a deep
respect for its power and beauty. When I was growing up, I would often hear family members
recount the day that Lance decided to hike to the mountain's peak with a few other men to
investigate recent rumblings. When the mountain began erupting, he was seriously injured.
As a souvenir of that day, Lance kept the rock that had been embedded in his shoulder. From
the stories I've heard about Lance, he was a deeply reflective man. I am sure that he must have
turned that rock over in his hands many times, shaking his head, as if the disbelief of being in
the wrong place at the wrong time was somehow easier to accept and believe if he could look
upon the rock.
I am asking that the Botell family be given some kind of memorial that they can visit. They too,
must surely be in a state of disbelief over the events that occurred on the day they lost
Tommy. They too, were in the wrong place at the wrong time. However, it is not only the Botell
family that suffers this loss. Our community faces the difficult task of trying to heal from the
shock of losing a young boy who was simply enjoying the day with his family in a beautiful
place. Although I have never met the Botell family, as a mother, I am overwhelmed by their
story and struck by their grief. This is a family whose story hasn't quietly faded away...and this
is a good thing. This exemplary young man deserves to be honored.
A name change for the Lassen Peak Trail is a very fitting tribute. As a Boy Scout, Tommy
Botell made a promise, on his honor, to do his best, to do his duty to God and his country,
and "to help other people at all times."
What an appropriate way to honor his memory...by placing his name on a trail marker that will
forever help to guide others on their way up the mountain.
Thank you.
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To learn more about Tommy,
visit www.tommybotell.com
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