On 24 July 1857, the Valley Saints met at Brighton for a tenth celebration of their 1847 arrival in the Salt Lake Valley. It was during the celebration that Porter Rockwell brought the news of the coming of Johnston's Army. Ceremonies were shortened, and the Saints returned to the valley to prepare to defend their new-found home. One hundred years later (1957), the U.S. Mormon Battalion held their BATTALION DAY at Brighton in honor of that historic occasion. Today, 140 years later, by mere coincidence, an old flyer, advertising that Centennial day and its events, was discovered--after the National Staff and Ladies Auxiliary had planned to hold this year's celebration there~ Are we in tune with those dedicated souls--or what?
Now, 140 years later, under the inspired leadership of Pres. Shirley Maynes, who made most of the arrangements, and Col. Clayton Fairbourn, who presided, a most memorable series of activities was experienced by nearly 100 members and guests assembled in the Brighton LDS chapel. Former Battalion commanders, Cols. J.C. Richards and Paul Madsen reviewed past achievements and memorable moments. Then the assemblage was richly entertained with much re-memorabilia, delightfully presented by Pat Davis and her accompanist, Kelly DeHaan, who led us on a "Sentimental Journey" through almost forgotten history with song and witty remarks. Rosemary Fairbourn, a historian "afflicted" with ladies fashion, gave us a visual history as she displayed a "clothesline" of ladies apparel from Victorian times to the present, accompanied by entertaining commentary on the lives of pioneers who wore such clothing and adornments, and why (See the Women's Writes page). After a short but delicious-food break, furnished by Co. "D" , the men of the Battalion assembled and, under the able leadership of our Adjutant, Major Glade Nelson, the Articles of Incorporation were presented, discussed, and approved-as-amended. By laws will now be amended to conform.
Maj. Nelson was commended for his outstanding devotion and leadership in readying these Articles for Battalion approval. (A review of the Articles will be done in a subsequent issue.) The dutch-oven dinner, by the Denny Family, was superb! The "eaters" were faced with the quandary of enjoying the delicious meal and delightful company, or re-living "the old days," as they listened to the Old Time Fiddlers' Band play and sing the songs we all knew and sang and danced to, once upon a dream-time ago.
The awards ceremony completed the day's activities. Pres. Shirley Maynes recalled the momentous experience which the Saints experienced in 1857 (mentioned above) and many interesting historical anecdotes. Col. Fairbourn, in behalf of the Battalion, presented her with a plaque to commemorate her devotion and leadership shown to both the Battalion and the Ladies Auxiliary since 1991. It is an honor much deserved! Maj. Carl Larson was also honored for his many extra accomplishments, viz. the ~, which is so valuable to the Battalion in carrying out the prophecies of Brigham Young, "Your children will rise up and bless their fathers." This we help them to do by memorializing their ancestor's grave before they go to the Temple to be sealed to him and his wife.
Carl is now producing an up-to-date version, which the Battalion will share in producing. Ltc. George Bascom was likewise honored for his work in creating THE VALIANT, our house organ. This little paper is doing much to cement our various units and unifying our efforts.
Under Rosemary Fairbourn's tutelage (who wrote the script), Company "B" re-enacted the mustering-out of the Battalion at San Diego, 15 July 1847. True to history, when Col. Madsen, representing the notorious, Lt. A.J. Smith, said, "You are discharged," all the assembled members of the Battalion gave a resounding cheer--and MORMON BATTALION DAY--1997 ended on a high but nostalgic note! Thanks, Pres. Maynes, for the memories!