To celebrate the great Sesquicentennial of the Mormon Battalion arrival in San Diego, Co. "B" members chose to ride the chartered bus from Salt Lake City to San Diego. Under the direction of Lt. Terry Wirth, who served as Trek Master, and Maj. Fred Newson, as advisor, we began a sacred pilgrimage that took us to Kanab (and Capt. ludd's b-b-q!), Mesa, Tucson, Tombstone, Yuma, then across the Chorizo Desert, to Box Canyon, Warner's Ranch, Temecula, San Luis Rey, and Mission de Alcala in San Diego. Along the way we experienced the locale of the "Battle of the Bulls," the new monument at Tucson, a breakfast meeting with the Pima Indian tribe (where we re-enacted the gift of hospitality shown the first Battalion), the awesome finality of Box Canyon, the warm springs at Warner Rancho, the first glimpse of the ocean at San Luis Rey, and the green hills approaching San Diego. This was a most memorable journey; four new members of the Battalion and seven new members of the Ladies Auxiliary are a testament to the success of this trip; and the testimony meeting on the return trip was icing on the cake.
It was exhilarating for our company to join with those who came from Utah and elsewhere to celebrate the Sesquicentennial in San Diego, Jan. 18.The combined members of the Battalion led some 2,000 hikers from all the stakes in San Diego County, plus "Co. M" missionaries, into Old Town State Park, where they were greeted by a beautiful Southern California Mormon Choir singing their hearts out. On the reviewing stand were representatives from San Diego City, from Council Bluffs, IA, stake presidents, Elders Richard Scott (representing Pres. Monson), and Loren Dunn, area president, Elder and Sister Kearl of the Visitors' Center, Cols. Fairbourn and Madsen of the Battalion, and other officials and dignitaries. Ltc. Crum led the posting of the colors. In addition, several members of Co. "B " traveled to San Luis Rey on 25 January for the celebration there. Lie. Crum led the pledge of allegiance, and Janice Ottosen and Candida Cange served at The information booth-even during the rain! It was a most gratifying and memorable double celebration!
Kanab Company held a VALENTINE SWEETHEARTS DINNER DANCE on 14 Feb of course. They invited singles, couples, sons and daughters (and grands, too!) of the Utah Pioneers, and friends of the Mormon Battalion. Everyone was invited to wear pioneer or Centennial dress. A delicious roast beef dinner was served, and entertainment and a historical vignette was presented by the Battalion. The price of $5. per person was waived if he paid his dues ($15.) or she paid hers ($10.) What a great idea for getting the dues in! Round and couple dancing was enjoyed by all. Congratulations for a great idea and a successful evening!
We had a wonderful time in San Diego where ten of our members attended the
Sesquicentennial celebration--an event that will never happen again. We felt we needed to
make the sacrifice to participate, and it was truly worthwhile. We were in uniform as we
led the parade into Old Town State Park at the head of some 1,200 marchers from the many
stakes in the San Diego area. Of such a moment are great memories made!
Meanwhile, we are participating in about two Eagle Scout courts of honor per week any
where between Ogden and Provo. We have eleven men in Class "A" uniform, which
makes it all possible. We appreciate the dedication of all of our company and thank you
for putting forth such great efforts in making a success of a work that was ordained by
God, as we continue to fulfill prophecy.
Our January 23 meeting featured two of our members, Winston and Joane Reese, reporting
on their missionary experiences in the New York North Mission. What a rewarding experience
it was for them, and for us, to hear it. Our summer trek will be held June 26-28 (where?
later). The Ladies Auxiliary met separately and elected new officers. (Pres. Delsa Thomsen
has moved.) They are: Annette Bryner, Pres.; Martha Rasmussen, Treasurer; Sharlene
Kendrick, Treasurer; and Bonna Lue Pack, Program Director.
(Shirley Maynes says: HURRAY FOR CO. "D" AUXILIARY! !)