In May of 1999 Babu Chiri Sherpa, a native of Nepal, performed an amazing athletic feat as he topped by many times the world's record for staying on top of Mount Everest. Previous stays averaged well under one hour.. Babu Chiri Sherpa remained on the summit without bottled oxygen for twenty-one hours overnight! On this trip, his ninth successful ascent out of eleven total, he also carried, displayed and photographed at the summit the colorful Star Alliance world peace flag (similar to the Star Alliance logo on this site. Please see www.STARALLIANCE.net where a photo is displayed until we get it up on this site.)

"The Arc of Rainbow Stars" symbolizes a grassroots movement to achieve harmonious goals through "Communication, Cooperation and Celebration" for our "Highest Common Ideals."

In August of 1999, Babu Chiri Sherpa returned the Star Alliance flag he carried for universal peace, The occasion was the Star Alliance 14th Anniversary banquet in Berkeley, California, held at our supporter restaurant: The Gourmet on Shattuck Avenue near Bancroft (Please patronize the Gourmet as they help us feed the needy!). Hosts of the banquet were Mr. and Mrs. David Su, proprietors of Berkeley's Lotus Vegetarian and Seafood Restaurant, and the Co-Founder of STAR ALLIANCE, Peter DuMont. Peter is President of the Educational Division and author of the STAR ALLIANCE "Declaration towards Universal Alliance According to our Highest Common Ideals.".

The 14th Anniversary banquet honored Babu and his partner at Nomad Expeditions, Lhawang Dhondup, who helped arrange this great, cooperative feat.

Also honored at the banquet were Ms. Barbara Addleman of Piedmont, California and her family. Barbara is considered the original "Betsy Ross" of STAR ALLIANCE because she generously volunteered many hours to sew by hand the flag carried by Babu and two others now in use ‹ no small feat in itself since there are 72 separate pieces to applique on each double-sided flag!

Another flag was donated by Ms. Cecelia Franklin of Sew Images on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. This professionally-made flag was used for the fastest ascent of Mount Everest ever, performed by Babu in May 2000, just under 17 hours from Base Camp to the summit.

A fourth guest of honor in August 1999 was Mrs. Dorothy Hackbarth of Oakland, California. Dorothy is founder and director of a nationwide citizens' group which supports UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).

The superstar climber Babu ascended Everest eleven times before his accidental death on the mountain in the spring of 2001. WE WILL NEVER FORGET YOU BABU!!! Babu never used bottled oxygen.

Star Alliance flags are eventually to be presented to Prince William and Prince Harry of England in honor of their late mother Princess Diana's exemplary work for peace, and to help inspire the youth of the world. In light of Babu's achievements, these gifts will also help continue and expand a tradition of friendship between the people of Nepal and past and present members of the British Commonwealth.

Before Babu's death,.Star Alliance Goodwill Travel Partner Nomad Tours offered an impressive array of Himalayan Treks made easy and enjoyable by experienced guides. Also offered is an even easier alternative: an "effortless" and sure-to-be-spectacular balloon tour of Himalayan peaks! For more information and facilitated contact with Star Alliance Nomad Tours please inquire at (Tel.) 1-510-848-1818. Thank you.

Remember, volunteer help is needed!

(Last updated, 2002 January 10.)