Our new "recruit" Chuck Hackley has created much excitement with his finding of the grave site of Lydia Hunter, mother of Diego Hunter. Plans are being formulated to place a marker on the group grave of Lydia, Alfred Dunham, David Smith, and the casualties at the Battle of San Pasqual. Other news: 1) Ltc. Sears has completed his series of articles on the Battalion for the SEAGULL. Well done, Colonel! 2) Company "B" held a Neckerchief slide presentation at an Eagle Court of Honor; 3) a Thanksgiving Dinner meeting is being planned with entertainment by Harold Marcroft, a professional singer. 4) Pfc. Earl Tucker is anxiously awaiting his mission call. 5) Our most important announcement is the election of Margie Siebenthal as Ladies Auxiliary president--a post she has held before, outstandingly! We will have more truly GREAT NEWS next issue! Watch for it!
Any Company that thinks they are busy should read Mesa Company's schedule: Nine Eagle Scout neckerchief slide presentations last month. Eight presentations of the Story of the Mormon Battalion to youth groups (mostly on the Trail--at night), plus at Camporees and to Young Women activities. Maj. Smith estimates that 10,000 youth and leaders have heard the Battalion story in the last year in Arizona and New Jersey. November is heavily scheduled with a presentation to the Casa Grande Indians; a play, "The Ram in the Thicket" written by a member of the Battalion, a presentation to the AZ Historical Society; and Mesa Company will spend Christmas Eve on the exact ground where the original Battalion camped there, 24 December 1846. Go, Mesa Company!
We have been very successful in participating in Sesquicentennial events this year. The Logan Parade on 24 July, followed by the Wellsville Founders Parade, are examples. We have awarded many neckerchief slides to Eagle Scouts at their courts of honor. Our Ladies Auxiliary have brought us to the table in scrumptious fashion, and our speakers have been wonderful! The last one was a member of the Sesquicentennial Wagon Train who enthralled us with the Train's experiences. Our thanks go to those of our company who have been so faithful in continuing the great traditions of Company D throughout this festive year.
Col J.C. Richards reports that while shopping for a picture flame, he and Bertha met a young mother seeking one also--for her son's Eagle Scout Award. When Col. mentioned our giving the neckerchief slide to an Eagle, she was MUCH interested. The result was our presentation of one to Jacob Behunin, and the invitation to attend others. Being friendly promotes the Battalion!
DEADLINE FOR JANUARY VALIANT news: December 15th!!