Our company's activity schedule reads like a doctor's office visits page--FULL! For example: January: Eight evening presentations out on the Mormon Battalion Trail; for February: and more scheduled for March. This is only ONE of the activities carried out by our company.
I express my thanks for everyone in the company for making our Christmas party such a success! It appears that our enthusiasm has carried over into the New Year; already we have had six Eagle Scout Courts of Honor presentations, with more scheduled for the next 6 weeks. And, we have 4 grave markings requested. I was especially honored to represent the Battalion staff in swearing in Bp. Barry Bunker and Scoutmaster Herbert Waite as members-at-large in Logandale, NV. We might have a cadre there soon. Also, I express appreciation to Companies "A" and "Kane" for their cooperation in our varied activities this past year.
Our annual Valentine Sweethearts Dinner Dance was a great success! The delicious roast beef dinner, with entertainment, and a historical vignette of the Battalion, prepared us for the round and square dancing which followed. Many guests came, but our ploy--"All for $5., but FREE if you join the Battalion and pay your annual dues"--resulted in 5 NEW members of the Battalion! We are looking forward to a great year!
When I am questioned about the original Battalion, I emphasize that they are our pioneer heritage. Because they were the pioneers who opened the westward expansion of the United States, we can emulate them in our own pioneering way--wear a uniform, march in parades, honor Eagle Scouts, and all to tell our story. We are fortunate that our Church leaders recognize our efforts and approve of them, as witnessed by Pres. Hinckley's remarks at the dedication of the MB monument at the State Capitol, when he said, "Aside from the Willie and Martin handcart companies, no group suffered more than did the Mormon Battalion." Since our forefathers sacrificed so much "because the prophet asked them to," we must do all we can to ensure the success of our efforts to hold them in honorable remembrance, thus fulfilling prophecy.
We note with sadness and gratitude the passing of Capt. Kjeld Jorgenson-a long-time member of the Battalion and former Captain of Co. "A". When he got off the boat from Denmark in 1929, unable to speak English, he bought 25-cents worth of bananas which sustained him until he reached Salt Lake City and friends. He was loyal to the Battalion and will be greatly missed, especially as he supervised the E. Senior Citizens Center.