Today is Pioneer Day in Utah.

It is a holiday that we commemorate the Mormon Pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley.

The members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints had been through a lot by then. They were known as the Mormons, and had been persecuted for years by people who didn’t understand them. They had been kicked out of different cities, by the people who lived there, told they were not wanted. Finally after the prophet was killed, along with his brother, the saints decided to head west. They wanted to find a place where they could live their beliefs, raise their families, and follow God. It is amazing to me that they were so persecuted in this country that was founded on religious freedom. The pioneers were very stalwart, hearty people, driven by a love of God to move forward and get to the place where they could be themselves. Many died on the way. Many miracles happened on the way. They traveled for 2-4 months, miles and miles. It was a very difficult journey. The period of time that someone crossing the plains would be considered a pioneer was 1847-1869. Once the railroad was complete they didn’t come by wagon anymore. I remember years ago when we took our kids on a trip to the Martin and Willie Handcart Sites in Wyoming. We were traveling in our family van about 60 MPH, and the kids where complaining about how long it was taking to get where we were going. I said, “We’re going 60 MPH, the pioneers went 10-15 miles per day!” They would say, “Wow!” I’m sure they had no clue. It is mind boggling to think about in this age of instant everything.

I am so grateful to my ancestors who came across the plains.

One gal I think of a lot is Mary Malden Peek.

She was my third great grandmother on my maternal side. She crossed the plains walking the whole time, except one afternoon when she was ill. What a trooper!

This awesome picture is of Mary’s family. She married Richard Dye.

Look how handsome and beautiful they are. I wonder if the children really understood what their parents did? How much they sacrificed to make a better life for them? I love them.

Here is a little clip that the Mormon Tabernacle Choir did about the pioneers.

Enjoy! Hope your Sunday is the Best! Love, Joy