"Pioneer Day", this day commemorates the entry of Brigham Young and the first group of Mormon pioneers into Utah's Salt Lake Valley on July 24, 1847. The Mormon pioneers viewed their arrival as the founding of a Mormon homeland. The Mormons, left their settlement in Nauvoo, Illinois, and journeyed west seeking refuge from religious persecution.
Determined to settle in an isolated region, the pioneers made their way across the plains and over the Rocky Mountains to Utah. They lost many of their party to disease during the winter months. By the time they reached Utah, the desolate valley was a welcome sight. With solemn ceremonies, the settlers consecrated the city, and sent back word that the "promised land" was found. By the end of 1847, nearly 2000 Mormons settled in the Salt Lake Valley. The first Pioneer Day was celebrated in 1849 with a parade, band music and speeches. Today, July 24th is celebrated annually as Pioneer Day, a state holiday, in Utah...we Idahoans also get to participate in this grand event! Although some may not get the day off to celebrate as my Hubby who was tied up at work all day.
We didn't join in on all the festivities that day, but we did make the annual Bancroft Parade!
Clay's favorite entry...a big tractor aka combine!
The girls both participated in the parade riding their bikes with the rest of the primary kids.
The parade is always short and sweet, but fun nonetheless.
Oh, how I love the Pioneers. I love their faith, their strength, their testimonies, their legacy and their stories. Pioneers are people who lead the way and prepare a place for those who follow them. The Mormon pioneers worked diligently and made the "desert blossom as a rose." I am grateful for their settlement in the great state of Utah, the place I once called home. It is fitting that there is a day to remember the pioneers who settled our nation, but it is more important that we are pioneers in making life better or those who will follow us.
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