Just a reminder: Fewer than 180 gravesites of Mormon Battalion men have been memorialized; about the same percentage of women's gravesites have also been so honored. We have much more to go!
Let's make a greater effort to contact the families of these special people!
Of general interest to us all is the TV program on PBS, entitled "The United States-Mexican War." This documentary will be presented in two 2-hour segments on Sunday, September 13 and Monday, Septembe 14 (See the PBS schedule for times). It is coincidental that the broadcast coincides with the 151st anniversary of the occupation of Mexico City by U.S. Army troops under the command of General Winfield Scott. Since WE had something to do with that War, all should try to see what television has done to history.
Also, as part of Mormon Battalion Day, each company is invited to bring journals, scrapbooks, artifacts, etc.--anything related to the "Mexican War" for display. Of course, each company's History should be handed in at this time.
Born in Logan, Utah, on 7 April 1942, to Vaughan Smith Dickmore and Maxine Faun Cummings, Marjorie attended her first school in Brigham City, but the family soon moved to Orcutt, California (near Santa Maria), where she attended schools through high school. After graduation, she moved to San Diego, but when her family moved back to Ogden, Utah, she went with them, and enrolled in Stevens Henager Business College for one year. Returning to San Diego, she met and married Stan Siebenthal in 1962. They are parents of four children, two still at home, and seven grandchildren.
They have always been active in the Church--Stan in Priesthood duties, and Marjorie has been stake Primary president and ward Relief Society president, and has taught classes in both organizations over the years. She is still her stake's YW Camp Crafter Leader, and has served in the BSA organization with her Primary boys.
For us, she has been most notable as Auxiliary President of Company "B" San Diego. Under (then) Captain Bob Wilkerson, she lead the Auxiliary in establishing themselves as a significant force in Old Town State Park. Every year they hold a bake sale there (more than once) where they sold home-make bread, cookies, and cakes, soon becoming famous for their excellent wares and good prices. She is presently serving in her familiar position as president of the Auxiliary with Capt. Brad York, as they work to finance the monument to those men and woman who died in San Diego. She is a welcome addition to the Auxiliary.
This summer, members of the Mormon Battalion Auxiliary have placed memorial plaques at the gravesites of several wives of the Battalion, including Mary Napier Rowe, wife of Caratat Rowe, Co. "A," at Mt. Pleasant;and Mary Stevens White, wife of Joseph White, Co. "A," at Farmington. This reflects the work of many individuals, especially Pres. Shirley Maynes, who are recognized for accomplishing these memorializations.
Because some confusion has occurred in connection with the placing of these markers and with the scheduling of the memorial services, a review of the guidelines should prove helpful:
The first contact should go through the company memorialization officer or Margaret Larson; then:
1. Clear the name for memorialization with Margaret Larson, 623 So. 1700 E., Spanish Fork 84660, tel. 1-435-798-3661. This clearance is a MUST, before any further steps are taken. This is to avoid duplication of effort and to assure follow-through.
2. Check with the woman's family or organization; encourage family involvement. The family should take charge of the program whenever possible.
3. Check with the sexton at the cemetery to make sure that the placement of a permanent memorial plaque is all right. Usually, there is no problem when he understands that it will be flush with the ground.
4. Remember, there must be a headstone before a plaque can be installed.
5. Check with the plot owner for clearance to place the plaque.
6. Arrange the date for the memorialization with the family; then notify Margaret Larson; other companies; and the National Staff. The National Auxiliary Staff who attend should be recognized and should participate as a part of the ceremony when a woman is memorialized.
7. Arrange the program with the family members. The National Auxiliary can furnish an outline, if requested.
8. The biography of the deceased should be read as part of the ceremony, and a copy of it should be given to the National Auxiliary organization, for their files.
9. Plaques should be obtained from the National Auxiliary Staff. The cost is $40, paid in advance unless other approved arrangements have been made. When paying by check, it should be made payable to the U.S. Mormon Battalion Auxiliary.
10. In planning the program, decide who is to place the plaque. Either National or Company officers can assist if requested to do so, but a family member should be considered first choice. The plaque should have been encased in concrete previously to the ceremony.
11. If you have questions about these procedures, please call Margaret Larson (above) or Shirley Maynes (801-255-3197)