The exciting Sesquicentennial Year has passed--filled with fond reminiscences, nostalgic recollections, and much hoopla--including parades, marches, and patriotic speeches. What was accomplished?
Well, we honored the pioneers by our programs, our speeches, our ceremonies, and our re-enactments. Memories were refreshed or begun anew. We did our best to pay tribute to our ancestors who started that epic Western Movement--which resulted in bringing the western United States into the Union, and the establishment of the Church of Jesus Christ (LDS) at its present site at the Crossroads of the West (and the Center of the Kingdom of God on the earth). But what about the men and women of the Battalion? What have we really done to "honor" them?
True, all the activities of the Sesquicentennial Year were devised to do just that--and they did! But in the next few years what will we remember about them, really? Will we seek out their descendants and urge them to collect their ancestor's history, or to mark their ancestor's grave? Will we search for their graves as assiduously?
When that great-grandson visits his grave, will that brave Battalion soldier have a bronze marker on it, signifying his special status in the eyes of the world?
Of the 504 men and boys who went on the March, and the wives of many of the men who accompanied them, approximately 180 men and a dozen women have been honored with a grave marker. It seems a shame not to have done better in the 151 years since they made their sacrificial march. The question is--What can we do?
Here is a suggestion: Why not EACH MEMBER OF TODAY'S BATTALION take one name [from the DATABASE]--not necessarily an ancestor (since most of us are not descendants of these heroes)--and make contact with the family of that soldier. Ask if the family would like to mark the grave. Suggest that the present Battalion would be happy to assist in the marking ceremony. Give the family the details of our grave marking program. It will be an unforgettable experience for both of us, and a wonderful gift to the living descendants, who probably do not know that such a memorial program exists. This summer (if there is going to be one--22 inches of snow at Alta on 17th of June!) is the time to hold these memorable events. We should coordinate our efforts, so please let Maj. Carl and Margaret Larson, Memorial Officers, know which name you choose to follow up. Their address is 623 So. 1700 E., Spanish Fork, Ut 84660. Let's do it!