Thursday, July 24, 2008

Pioneer Day

"In a grassy plot near downtown Salt Lake City are the gravesites of Brigham Young and others, including Eliza R. Snow, pioneer poetess and early women's leader in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The centerpiece of this area is a monument honoring the 6,000 pioneers who lost their lives crossing the plains between 1847 and the advent of the railroad in 1869. This historic site is open daily to the public.
Brigham Young was the second President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and governor of the Utah Territory from 1850 to 1856. He was born 1 June 1801 at Whitingham, Vermont, and died on 29 August 1877 at the age of 76.
His contributions include leading the Latter-day Saints from Nauvoo, Illinois, to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah, directing the establishment of over 350 settlements, supervising the construction of two temples, and overseeing the day-to-day details of the Church for 30 years."

I will be ever grateful for the men and women of courage... Courage to follow the Prophet, Courage to pack up their belongings and walk from the mid-west to Utah, Courage to Stand Firm in their belief, Courage to continue on after loosing a child due to unimaginable weather condintions, Courage.
I am thankful today to take a moment in rememberance of our ancestors who paved the way for us to live free as members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi there. I have three different emails from you so which one is working? Built a bear is fun, my kids loves it. Fun and your kids are so adorable.

Kiera said...

Melissa, they all work... I have if you just want one try kiera@ritterbush.us

Anonymous said...

Just a fun fact that I learned on the news this morning while watching the parade. Did you know that the 24th of July parade in SLC is the 3rd largest parade in the country?! The only parades bigger are the Macys Thanksgiving Parade and the Rose Bowl Parade. Who would have guessed that one.

Betsy said...

I am touched by their sacrifice as you know. I have been doing my family history christmas project. It humbled me when I was reading Uncle Brigham and Aunt Emeline's children and I saw their first child was named Ella Elizabeth and her birthplace in 1846 Winter Quarters, Nebraska for me that humbled.

Christina said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Christina said...

I don't think Blogger is liking me right now. It is really insisting the first time I leave a comment every time to write something else for me. Wierd!

Anyway, I am so greatful for their strenghth, their faith and sacrifices that they made. I don't know that I would have been strong enough.