Busy! That is what this company has been the past two months--which makes us feel useful, noticed, and happy!. We have participated in five major parades. Our 8-man color guard led the Bountiful Parade, with our "pioneer" Ladies Auxiliary right behind us in their colorful costumes. We were in charge of the flag ceremony for the dedication of the flagpole at Pioneer Park, which is to become a replica of the Old Fort, circa 1847. We participated as part of the color guard in the Days of '47 Parade, and in the flag ceremony in the Tabernacle for the Sunrise Service that morning. We have done many Eagle Courts of Honor, spoke in Sacrament meetings, presented Mormon Battalion Trail patches to Scouts, and our Ladies Auxiliary (complete with children in costume) were the entire entourage for the re-enactment of the arrival of the Mississippi Saints, 29 July, at This Is the Place State Park. What a great time to be alive!
While summer vacations somewhat curtailed our activities, Co. "B " was not
totally inactive: We have 4 more members! We note with pride that one of our members,
Frank Millward, was presented the BYU Community Service Award by Padre first baseman,
Wally Joiner, at the fourth annual, "Mormon Night at the Padres," for his
exemplary church-and-community involvement. Also, our August meeting was well attended,
because the Ladies Auxiliary put on a terrific chicken-dinner extravaganza for members and
guests.
(Obviously, Mormon Battalion men haven't changed!--Ed.)
Among our numerous achievements in the community and state, we have enjoyed pride and satisfaction both individually and as a unit. Meeting with the public (including our own company members), conducting flag ceremonies, parades, etc., all to honor those heroes of 1846-48, has brought honor to ourselves and enriched our lives. We have all worked together; thus accomplishing a depth of knowledge, understanding, and personal growth. Next to Church membership, my experiences in the Battalion have been the most uplifting of my life. Because of my surgery (Edward had a 5-way by-pass--Ed.), I had to rely on my staff to carry the load--which they have done, most admirably. The future holds great promise!
My wife and I made a Church History tour of several thousand miles, during which we gave many talks about the Battalion. The entire nation is intrigued with the exodus of the Saints from the United States. We estimate that more than 8,000 people heard our message and bought our book (Tyler's)--a thrilling experience!