"That first trek of 1847, organized and led by Brigham Young, is described by historians as one of the great epics of United States history. Mormon pioneers by the hundreds suffered and died from disease, exposure, or starvation. There were some who, lacking wagons and teams, literally walked the 1,300 miles across the plains and through the mountains, pushing and pulling handcarts. In these groups, one in six perished.
Tired oxen lumbered, wagon wheels squeaked, brave men toiled, Indian war drums sounded, and coyotes howled. Our faith-inspired and storm-driven ancestors pressed on. They, too, had their cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. "
Often they sang:

Come, come, ye Saints,
no toil nor labor fear;
But with joy wend your way.
Though hard to you this journey may appear,
Grace shall be as your day. … All is well! All is well! (“Come, Come, Ye Saints,” Hymns, no. 30.)

"These pioneers remembered the words of the Lord: “My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion.” (D&C 136:31.)
As the long, painful struggle approached its welcomed end, a jubilant spirit filled each heart. Tired feet and weary bodies somehow found new strength."

"Can we somehow muster the courage and that steadfastness of purpose which characterized the pioneers of a former generation? Can you and I, in actual fact, be pioneers today?
A dictionary defines a pioneer as “one who goes before, showing others the way to follow.” Oh, how the world needs pioneers today!"

"Can we not follow the Prince of Peace, that pioneer who literally showed the way for others to follow? His divine plan can save us from the Babylons of sin, complacency, and error. His example points the way. When faced with temptation, he shunned it. When offered the world, he declined it. When asked for his life, he gave it!
Now is our time to make this decision. Let us follow him."

This was taken from an Ensign article published in July of 1988 written by:
President Thomas S. Monson
President of the Church of Jesus Christ if Latter Day Saints

Yesterday we celebrated "Pioneer Day". It is an official Utah holiday on July 24th. It is also celebrated in southern Idaho where we live. Pioneer Day commemorates the day Brigham Young and the first Mormon pioneers entered into the Salt Lake Valley in 1847. This is where the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints settled after their very long trek across the United States. There are parades and fireworks to celebrate the occasion. It is a time to remember and celebrate our pioneer ancestors. I know I am very thankful for the sacrifices they made so I can enjoy the gospel in my life and also enjoy this beautiful place to live.

If you'd like to find out more about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints go to:
http://www.mormon.org/

Preston puts on quite a firework show every year. We walked over and watched it last night with some friends. These are some really impressive pictures Weldon took of the fireworks.
We had a really great time. It was a perfect night.