As a result of the preliminary work done by Memorializations officers, Maj. Carl and Margaret Larson (and some coordinating by Pres. Shirley Maynes), seventeen graves of original Battalion men and women were memorialized, May 16-17, in the St. George area. DUP Pres. Delores Riggs made preliminary arrangements, SUP Pres. Jerry Riggs supplied the labor, the County Commissioners paid for the plaques, and about 30 Battalion men and Ladies Auxiliary members from Companies "A," "B." & "Kane" joined with the descendants and townspeople m honoring these pioneers. At the gravesite, a family member or one of the Battalion gave the life story of the deceased. Here is a summary of their efforts:
| CEMETERY | BATTALION VETERAN | FAMILY PRESENTER |
|---|---|---|
| Pine Valley | James C. Earl | Marjorie Waggoner |
| Washington | Malinda Covington Nathan T. Thomas |
Delores Riggs Galen Maynes |
| Leeds | Orson/Susan Adams John Brown |
Elma Heye Harriet Leavitt |
| St. George | Henry Bigler William Carpenter Samuel Miles Elijah Thomas John Watts |
Roscoe Bigler Val Carpenter Maxine Hafen Howard Carter Clayton Fairbourn |
| Rockville | James P. Brown Daniel Dennett |
Joseph W. Brown Stanley De Milne |
| Toquerville | Augustus Dodge John C. Naegle Levi Savage |
Lois Iverson Carol Terry Charles Peterson |
| New Harmony | John Lawson | Julie Combs |
Much interest surrounded these memorialization Todd May, Dixie College, made a video for his "Continuing Educational class. Fox News did a video, and Robert Starling, LDS Church cinema-video producer, is interested in doing a feature-length history of the Battalion when sufficient histories are gathered. Cols. Fairbourn and Madsen substituted for Maj. Larson on Friday, and Ltc. Roberts conducted the Saturday ceremonies. The contingent of Mormon Battalion officers and Ladies of the Auxiliary provided the flag ceremonies and prayers. More than 100 descendants and townspeople enthusiastically supported these events and expressed gratitude for our efforts. Capt. Bitton and Margaret Larson, who made this report, feel that the publicity engendered newspaper, TV, and video coverage that will give a surge to future memorializations and reflect most favorably on our presence in these communities. THE VALIANT expresses sincere gratitude and admiration for all the efforts by each participant. WELL DONE!!
An interesting side note: Another of our Battalion members, Maj. Glade Nelson, conducts a weekly class at Utah State Prison, for the inmates. With 8 computers and several readers, the inmates are indexing names for the Family History Library. A waiting list of over 200 are anxious to replace anyone who goofs up!