Recently, I had the opportunity to participate as part of a 12-man honor guard at the
funeral of Maj. Tommy Johnston. Despite the bitterly cold weather and the short notice, it
was wonderful to see the group support to such a touching moment. We are truly an unique
organization, with great members who serve gladly and well. Also, I was impressed with
Patriarch Eldred G. Smith's presentation at Co."B" meeting, where he displayed
the clothing in which his ancestor, Hymm Smith, was murdered. He also showed the box in
which the gold plates were once hidden. As he talked about those stirring times, when
Joseph and Hyrum were alive, I felt sad that I had not known beforehand of this special
program, that I might have brought potential members to hear him. Let us continue to
attract potential members to our ranks! The sacred voice of inspiration keeps coming back
to me that each of us must bring to our friends and community the great remembrance of
those 500 men and women who gave their all to fulfill the opportunity of service to our
Church and Country that is unmatched in dedication and commitment in the annals of Time.