Clive Jackson, a descendant of PVT Myron Tanner, Co. "D," who wintered at Pueblo with the sick detachment, reports from the Field: "Paonia, CO, has one major parade each year-- Cherry Days. When I learned that no one was honoring the Mormon Battalion Sesquicentennial, I asked the four other descendants in Paonia to assist me. We made two banners: (1) 150TH ANNIVERSARY HONORING THE MORMON BATTALION and (2) 500 soldiers marched 2000 miles in WAR WITH MEXICO. Deciding most people wouldn't know our history, I had leaflets printed to pass out along the parade route. Two Elders, serving in our ward, wore pioneer attire and handed out the leaflets. We will wait to see if anyone is interested.
When I asked my Pueblo Stake President if we were going to do anything to memorialize the sick detachment, he informed me that they were working with the Pueblo Museum to have an extensive display. It was entitled, "A WINTER BY THE RIVER, the MORMON BATTALION at PUEBLO." A commemorative service was held at the Mormon Battalion Monument, erected a few years ago, followed by a parade consisting of handcarts, and a horse-drawn wagon. With the Stake President's permission, we marched with our banners in the 11/2 mile parade--a youth group volunteering to help carry the banners. I passed out the leaflets. At the museum, we placed our banners in front, where they attracted much comment while we ate lunch. Descendants of the Battalion were invited to sign a register in the museum. I feel that the Battalion was well represented both in Paonia and Pueblo. I hope I will be forgiven for representing the Battalion in Pueblo instead of coming to Mormon Battalion Day, which I would love to have attended." Signed: Clive Jackson, descendant of Myron Tanner and Orin Hatch. Editor's Note: Well done, Clive!
TO ALL: This is what the Battalion is all about! Let each of us take note of what Clive
Jackson has done on his own initiative. EACH of us can do the same. Publicize your
efforts, both before you do them and after--and be proud of who you are!