While this has been one of the most active years in Battalion history, we look forward to a very exciting year in 1997. We will be involved in Sesquicentennial celebrations of the arrival of the Battalion in San Diego and the pioneers arriving in the Salt Lake Valley. The re-dedication of the Mormon Battalion Monument at the State Capitol, the many parades and flag ceremonies, the historical programs, and the on-going Eagle Scout courts of honor are just a few of the many activities in which we will be participating. Truly, this will be a year to remember! To make it a more memorable year, we need the full support of EACH ONE of our members--and the NEW ones we hope to enlist. Please get involved!
At a recent Planning Meeting for the Company staff, several exciting issues were discussed: Col. Fairbourn's emphasis on setting goals for 1997. Preliminary ideas were put forward and will be acted upon. 2. We also did some brain-storming on fulfilling the National Staff request for special, unique ways in which we can honor the original Battalion soldiers. One suggestion is to share research assignments with other companies for locating and contacting living descendants of original Battalion men, in order to bring honor to their ancestor. This we hope to do by wide-spread media announcements and ads, along with an effective gathering system. Since this will require money, we are considering how this is to be done. 3. We enjoyed a poetic tribute to Col. Madsen at our October meeting, presented by Lt. Terry Wirth, who has been asked by Col. Madsen to help collect photos for a historical yearbook. In addition, Lt. Wirth has been appointed by the National Staff to organize the bus trip to the San Diego Sesquicentennial celebrations. We are proud of his dedication.
Laura Randall, one of our younger members of the Ladies Auxiliary, was unanimously elected as our new presidents at our October meeting. We look forward to her leadership. We also note with pride the fifth article in the series on the Mormon Battalion by Ltc. Keith Sears in the November, 1996, issue of THE SEAGULL. These articles are well worthy of adding to our Journals. Another point of interest is when the DUP camp learned that their December lesson was on the march of the Battalion, it was suggested that they purchase Sgt. Tyler's book, "A Concise History of the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War," which was done. Also, many of our children are excited about marching with the Battalion in the North Park Toyland Parade in December; and the Battalion will conduct the flag raising ceremony at the dedication of the new LDS building in Lakeside in January.
On a more somber note, Lt. Ted Johnson, former recruiting officer, died on Thanksgiving eve, after a 2 x/2-year stay in a nursing facility. He passed on with the same serene smile so familiar to all who knew him. At the family's request, funeral services were held privately, so the Mormon Battalion and friends held a memorial service for him later. He was a gentle man without guile, and will be sorely missed.---submitted by Candace Cange, Publicity Officer.
Company "D" continues to have an active organization of the Mormon Battalion. Our numbers are not as numerous as they used to be, as some of our long-time faithful members have either passed on or are no longer able to participate with us. The good news is that we are getting some excellent new families in the past two years. As we reflect on the past year, we cherish some of the memories of our activities. We participated in four parades in ours and nearby communities, did flag ceremonies for city programs, presented many Eagle Scout awards, and spoke at many trail award ceremonies. Our company has sponsored a summer trek over a portion of the Mormon Battalion Trail for the past 18 years. This year we visited sites around Wells, NV. Twenty one people experienced the great 3-day, 2-night adventure, under the direction of Merlin and Sharlene Kendrick. Our company meets on the 4th Thursday each month at the Logan Senior Citizens Center. Everyone is invited to join with us. This year has the making of a very busy year for Company "D.' Already we are getting invitations to participate in Sesquicentennial activities. We look forward to doing our part in the fulfillment of Pres. Young' s prophecy to keep alive the memory of the Mormon Battalion.
We have received word that Capt. Merrill will be moving from the area. We do not know who will be in command in Yuma; we will keep you posted.