27 July 2008
Sharon’s Sunday Blog–July 27, 2008
Posted by Terrie Soberg under: Guest Blogger .
Pioneers Then and Now
This past week, Utahns observed Pioneer Day. July 24th commemorates the arrival of the vanguard company of the Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. This is a state holiday to honor pioneer forbears, a day of picnics, parades, fireworks, as well as one of gratitude and reflection. Whether or not we are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or whether or not pioneers were among our ancestors, it can be valuable for each of us to consider our heritage and to acknowledge what our ancestors did for us. They often endured tremendous hardships and challenges which required courage and commitment, as well as physical and spiritual strength.
While the world is much different now, we also need courage and commitment to make it through the challenges we face. We are blazing new trails as we move into the unknown territory of the future. In a way we are all pioneers. May we honor those of the past by living lives of courage and faithfulness, and perhaps one day our great grandchildren will tell their children stories about our trials, endurance, and accomplishments!
Note: The above photograph of the surviving pioneers of 1847 was taken in 1897 for the Jubilee Celebration. To get a close up look at the faces of these first settlers to come to Salt Lake Valley, go to: Larger picture
Sharon Anderson can be reached by email: sharon@timelinesetc.com
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