The U.S. MORMON BATTALION--A PERSPECTIVE

    We are receiving unprecedented publicity--all of it seemingly good. What is happening? Do we really deserve it? Why now? What should we be doing about it? Perhaps a brief review will help put it into perspective.

• On 12-14 of July, some of the National Staff and representatives from three companies attended the re-enactment of the 1846 mustering-in of the original Battalion at Council Bluffs. Though we were the smallest contingent, we were honored to be the color guard for all the five, full companies.

• Despite the many activities surrounding the re-enactment, it was our picture, in color, on the front page of the Council Bluffs Sunday paper and also, in color, on the cover of the Church News the next week!

• The July edition of the San Diego Seagull featured a three-column spread on the original Battalion, written most accurately and well by Lt. Col. Keith Sears.

• In our Utah area, Companies "A," "B," and "D" have served as color guards for most of the parades in June, July-and will do so in August.

• In addition, National staff members have combined with these companies to participate in other, similar events surrounding the Utah Centennial celebrations and dedications, such as the "This Is The Place State Park and Monument" dedication; Midway's "Swiss Days," etc.

• Throughout the past year (and so far this year), the Battalion has been actively doing grave memorializations (Kanab, Minersville, Spanish Fork, Salt Lake City, etc.), which has resulted in a wide interest in the Battalion, as well as in genealogical research-much to the gratification of the descendants of those men, and the amazement of the citizens of those communities who wonder why we are doing it.

• The DUP now call on us for the flag ceremonies with regularity; the SUP chapters invite us to "tell the story" of the Battalion (and they buy Tyler's book).

• Various civic groups have become enthusiastically aware of us and use us for their patriotic programs, whereas we have been overlooked or ignored before.

• Scouting participation has proven very rewarding; almost one Eagle court per week thus far this year (our output of Buffalo Skull neckerchief slides is over 300).

• We were the honor guard for President Hinckley at the Scout-a-rama (30,000 scouts and families).

• The Mormon Trail Patch award is over 12,000 now, and we continue to meet with groups to give instructions on fulfilling the requirements or to award the patch.

• One of the most rewarding phenomena of all these activities has been the influx of new members-many of them LIFE MEMBERS!-and they are young men and women, as well! Interestingly, they come with special attributes which will be invaluable to the future of the Battalion. We who have been around for quite some time (not too long!) are amazed and wonder how this is possible.

• New companies are now being formed or becoming possible. (We will tell you more about these in another issue.)

• Meanwhile, informative and entertaining presentations on the achievements of the original Battalion are being given at firesides, family home evenings, Sacrament meetings (emphasizing the Priesthood participation), and historical societies. The interest is increasing dramatically.

What does it all mean? May I presume a possible answer:

    First, much of these startling events can be attributed to the times. This is Utah's Centennial. Interest in its history is at a new high. Every community in Utah has planned a series of events, lasting throughout the year, to commemorate Utah's historical heritage. The Battalion fits into these festivities remarkably well, and next year's Sesquicentennial will only increase this interest.

    But this would not explain all these amazing effects. They are not coincidental either. The Battalion deserves some credit. For one thing, we have become aware of the value of using the media. Interviews have increased public awareness of our existence and our objectives. This accounts for much of the public response to our presence and purposes. It is impossible to gauge the eventual result of a news article!

    Every company should be submitting pertinent information to their neighborhood newspaper, and to the larger ones whenever something newsworthy occurs.

    Above all, isn't it possible that we are experiencing some blessings from Above? Are we not on a sacred mission to fulfill prophecy? While other, similar organizations exist to enhance history or to gratify pride or merely for self expression (to gain attention), ours is a loftier, more significant goal. We wear the authentic uniform to publicize the Battalion, to get others to ask questions (to which we have the answers!). We go public to get the opportunity to "tell the rest of the story" of why the original Battalion was able to accomplish what they did. Yes, we are in the Service of God, who obviously approves of our organization and our objectives. Let us serve with confidence. We are destined to succeed!
-Lt. Col. George Bascom

NOTE: Make the following correction in your Battalion Cookbook: p. 74, H. B. Lee's recipe should read "3 cups of flour.' This was omitted. Sorry!