WHY SHOULD I BELONG TO THE U.S. MORMON BATTALION, INC.? PART 2

In the last issue of "The Valiant" it was pointed out that one reason for joining the modern Battalion was to honor the major accomplishments of those valiant men: 1) Their significant contributions in the conquest of Mexico; 2) the opening of routes of transportation to and from the Pacific coast; 3) their maps which were the basis of adding all or part of (now) six states to the U.S.; 4) the discovery of gold at Sutter's mill; and 5) the beginning of irrigation farming by an Anglo-Saxon people. While historians, such as H. H. Bancroft, and B. H. Roberrs, give the Battalion major credit for these historic accomplishments, a more significant reason for honoring these men is contained in the prophetic statement of Brigham Young. At a victory celebration in the Social Hall in Salt Lake City, in 1855, he spoke to the assembled Battalion members in which he disclosed the real reason for raising the Battalion. He said,

"I was and I am now convinced that a senator from the state of Missouri did ask and did receive permission from the President of the United States that if the Mormons did not raise a battalion of men to go and fight a war with Mexico, that he, the senator, might contact the govenors of the states of Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and, if he needed to, western Kentucky, to raise a force large enough to go out on the plains and use them up. ...Brethren, I set about to fool them at their own game, and I think I have done so."

(:Quoted from p. 352, Tyler's History of the Mormon Battalion.)

This is a prophet of God speaking! He KNEW what the plan was, having received it "from higher authority," as President George Q. Cannon told the officers of the Battalion the day before they left Council Bluffs. Surely, this is ONE REASON for loyal men and women to join the modern Mormon Battalion and honor these men and women whom the prophet of God called and sent. But there are MORE REASONS. President Young further stated,

"The Mormon Battalion will be held in honorable remembrance to the latest generation, and I will prophesy that the children of those who have been in the service in defense of their country wilt grow up and bless their fathers for what they did at that time... and men and nations will rise up and bless the men who went in that Battalion...As the Lord lives, if you will but live up to your privileges, you will never be forgotten, worlds without end, but you will be held in honorable remembrance forever and ever." (Tyler, p. 354)

Here, then, is our "errand from the Lord": To fulfill the prophecy of a prophet of God. How will this be done? I suggest only three ways (you can think up more):

1 ) one way in which the descendants of these men can honor their ancestor is to be sealed to him and his extraordinary wife in a Temple. To accomplish this, we suggest that a family organization be formed; that genealogical research be done to connect all generations; that a temple excursion be organized for the entire family; and, that these ordinances be completed. To encourage such an action, the Battalion furnishes a bronze marker to be placed on the ancestor's grave in a cooperative ceremony by both the Battalion and the family organization. A memorialization Officer in each company will handle this assignment.

2) To help "men and nations" learn the story of the Battalion, we publish the book by Daniel Tyler, A Concise History of the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War. President John Taylor, as president of the Church, announced that Tyler's account was the most authentic in the eyes of the Church. SELL IT! Every member of the Battalion and Auxiliary should have two copies of this book--one to read and one to sell (or give away).

3) To make the world aware of our organization, we wear a uniform to attract attention and to implant in the minds of viewers that we exist. This brings us invitations to participate in various civic, fraternal, scouting, etc., ceremonies and meetings. EACH of us should be prepared to tell the Battalion Story in an interesting way. Schools want us to come and tell the history as part of U.S. or Utah history. Local papers should carry the announced meeting of the local company and/or its forthcoming activities. INVOLVE THE MEDIA! We are engaged in a sacred trust. We hope each of us feels that we are CALLED to do so. Be proud to belong to the U .S. Mormon Battalion, to wear the uniform, to tell its story, and to support the organization with out time, talents, and heart. Please become fully committed, and do not despair, for it is a sacred calling.-- Lt. Col. George Bascom, E.O.