How You Watch the Annual Climb Up Independence Monument In 2021 The Mesa County Search and Rescue Technical Rescue Team is getting ready to raise the American Flag with the 31st annual climb up Independence Monument. Here's how you can be on hand to witness this awesome event. Each year climbers make their way up to Western Colorado's Independence Monument. This year, a total of 15 people, consisting of ten Search and Rescue members and five guests, will make the climb. Get our free mobile app How To Observe Would you like to witness this event? If so, where do you need to be and when do you need to be there? This year's flag-raising will happen between 11 a.m. and noon on Sunday, July 4, 2021.