As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we have not one but 2 big holidays in the month of July: the 4th, of course, and the 24th. On July 24th we celebrate the arrival of the Mormon Pioneers in the Salt Lake Valley. This holiday has come to mean more than just commemorating the day an earthly place was settled. It embodies a spirit of reverence for those who literally gave all to follow their hearts and what they knew to be true. With the promise of a peaceful life, free of persecution, the pioneers left homes, lost family, and many lost their own lives. They went with hope in their hearts.
We look to our early progenitors and learn from their perseverance. We find hope in the midst of our own trials by hearing how they handled theirs'. I, personally, did not have any ancestors who crossed the plains, but my husband and children do. I'm thankful for their stories of faith, hope, love, and for the impact their lives have had on each generation leading up to that of my children.
With each Pioneer Day comes a Pioneer Day celebration. This year's celebration began with breakfast on the lawn, followed by pioneer games, and intermingled with lots of children running and laughing everywhere.
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