Pioneer Day 2006

159 years ago today, pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley with the goal to establish a permanent settlement. They were refugees from religious persecution, expelled from a country that failed and refused to protect them. They had been chased form several states and several cities and had been dubbed religious freaks and dangerous to the areas they had previously settled. Their crime: they were Mormons.

They were also Americans, native born and immigrants alike, yet they were forced to flee for their lives and to search for a new safe place to live. They had been invited to come to San Francisco, but no longer felt safe within U.S. borders. They came to the Salt Lake Valley where no body wanted, no one thought to settle, and where they could be left alone.

Somewhere in the groups to follow that first party, ancestors of mine arrived in the valley. They fought for their survival with the others. They had to grow crops to live. They had to face the challenges living in a remote wilderness, without country, friend, or a guarantee of any future. They had faith in God and a determination to make it and that was it.

The U.S. did catch back up to them and tough times followed. They stuck it out and held their ground and became a powerful influence in the settlement of the west. Mormon settlements were the backbone to settling the Great Basin and Salt Lake became the "Crossroads of the West" and a major hub to travelers of all kinds.

This morning, I sit in my house, comfortable and secure. I fly the US flag outside our house and enjoy all the benefits of citizenship as well as technology: T.V., air conditioning, and this computer with which I am using to write this piece. I have seen Presidents of the United States visit Salt Lake City, as well as several other world leaders, and honor the Mormon Church and recognize their contributions to the greatness of our country.

Utah has come a long way since that day many, many years ago. I wonder if any of those pioneers had any idea what they were starting, but I thank them none the less. Happy Pioneer Day to anyone who cares to celebrate it today!