Building a New Musical Legacy

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Mormon Battalion THE VALIANT LTC Max W. Jamison, Publications Officer www.mormonbattalion.com FALL 2008 ISSUE Volume 13, No.

Prophecy of BRIGHAM YOUNG. He stated, the children of those who have been in the Army [Battalion] in defense of their country, will grow up and bless their fathers for what they did at the time.

1 Mormon Battalion THE VALIANT LTC Max W. Jamison, Publications Officer FALL 2008 ISSUE Volume 13, No. 3 News Release: Building a New Musical Legacy 250-Voice Mormon Battalion Choir Announced THIS IS YOUR OPPORTUNITY to unite fathers, sons, brothers and families, to raise your voice in fulfillment the Prophecy of BRIGHAM YOUNG. He stated, the children of those who have been in the Army [Battalion] in defense of their country, will grow up and bless their fathers for what they did at the time... As the Lord lives, you will never be forgotten, worlds without end, but you will be had in honorable remembrance, for ever and ever. The Executive Committee and leaders of the Mormon Battalion Association have been quietly working toward creation of a 250-voice Mormon Battalion men s choir for several years since LTC MAX JAMISON proposed the concept to choral director, FLOYD RIGBY, of Highland and formerly of St. George where he was the longtime director of music with the 225-voice Southern Utah Heritage Choir. RIGBY is the grandson of Battalion member HENRY WEEKS SANDERSON, and has directed other Heritage Day celebrations in the Salt Lake Tabernacle. When I first became involved with the Battalion several years ago, said RIGBY, I stood on the grave of my great-great grandfather and committed I would not let the prophecy die until I had done all I could to help fulfill BRIGHAM YOUNG S words, that, Men and Nations would rise up to bless the men who went with the Battalion. I could feel a dream open before my eyes and see hundreds of men raising their united voices to honor these valiant men and women. Music can open doors and hearts that have no idea what this courageous group accomplished under most demanding and challenging circumstances. This magnificent choir, in traditional wardrobe, will be accompanied by organ, a brass ensemble, and a fife and drum brigade. The choir will perform original compositions and great music that has been composed about the Battalion, as well as familiar patriotic selections, and sacred and historical arrangements. Their music will simply inspire all who hear them sing. Stated RIGBY, I believe the first time people hear this group, they will be so thrilled and inspired that no one will ever let it fade away. The Choir will rehearse in the Salt Lake and Utah Valleys beginning in February in preparation for its grand debut as the centerpiece of the annual Heritage Day Program and concert on Saturday, 13 June Those wishing to join the Choir need not be related to Battalion members, but should be willing to join in support of it s sacred mission. Information about membership in the choir will be published in the CHURCH NEWS and all local news releases in December and January. If further information is desired, please call DR. RIGBY at Applications will be ready soon. "A s the Lord lives,...you will never be forgotten... but you will be held in honorable remembrance for ever and ever." Brigham Young

Page 2 22 August-1 November Santa Fe to Albuquerque, New Mexico by KEVIN HENSON, 2008 Battalion Trek, aka 2SGT EBENEZER BROWN OF COMPANY A At Santa Fe, we marched onto the Plaza and were met by the

I figured if a 60+ year-old could hike the trail, so could I. LARRY OGAN did a superb job of arranging a local fireside and our entry into Santa Fe.

At Albuquerque, BLAINE BACHMAN and RON KIRKPATRICK gave yeoman s duty putting together a day hike and commemoration that some 60 Scouts and family members should remember a long time.

Later, RON and I gave presentations about the Battalion at the Museum. 1 November Fort Craig, New Mexico As of 1 November, we have passed the site of Fort Craig, New Mexico south of Socorro.

Secondly, we re blessed to have improved understanding regarding the Battalion s likely route out of Santa Fe. DR.

2 Page 2 22 August-1 November Santa Fe to Albuquerque, New Mexico by KEVIN HENSON, 2008 Battalion Trek, aka 2SGT EBENEZER BROWN OF COMPANY A At Santa Fe, we marched onto the Plaza and were met by the press and some well wishers. Among them was INEZ ROSS, one of the mature ladies who hiked the entire Santa Fe Trail. INEZ was one of my inspirations for the Trek. I figured if a 60+ year-old could hike the trail, so could I. LARRY OGAN did a superb job of arranging a local fireside and our entry into Santa Fe. Thanks LARRY for making it special for PETER and me. At Albuquerque, BLAINE BACHMAN and RON KIRKPATRICK gave yeoman s duty putting together a day hike and commemoration that some 60 Scouts and family members should remember a long time. The morning of 12 October, we met at Alameda Bridge and hiked ten miles to the Plaza, where we held a short public commemorative event. Later, RON and I gave presentations about the Battalion at the Museum. 1 November Fort Craig, New Mexico As of 1 November, we have passed the site of Fort Craig, New Mexico south of Socorro. We are on schedule and meeting many of our research goals along the way. Total distance is something over 1,200 miles and we re just three and one-half months from completing the Trek. Secondly, we re blessed to have improved understanding regarding the Battalion s likely route out of Santa Fe. DR. HAL JACKSON has studied El Camino Real, the principle trade route south to Chihuahua. Battalion members frequently reference this trail which they followed and paralleled at times. Correlating the journals with aerial photography of the area combined with our ground truth hike make it almost certain the Battalion followed JACKSON S late variant of El Camino rather than the route proposed along New Mexico Highway 14. The Battalion route is becoming clearer each day. "As the Lord lives,...you will never be forgotten... but you will be held in honorable remembrance for ever and ever." Brigham Young

Page 3 Monuments Between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, just off I-25, is the unique Mormon Battalion Monument obelisk crowned with a faux wagon wheel. Everyone knows about the monument.

3 Page 3 Monuments Between Santa Fe and Albuquerque, just off I-25, is the unique Mormon Battalion Monument obelisk crowned with a faux wagon wheel. Everyone knows about the monument. Sadly, it was rebuilt at the end of a dead-end cul-de-sac. Not a promising place for a monument. Except this site has one major thing going for it: HOLLY YOUNG as taken it upon herself to be the champion, caretaker and promoter of the obelisk monument. She related to us that at her own expense she has placed trash barrels, spends time cleaning debris and junk as well as promoting the location. Thanks to HOLLY, the site is clean and neat. No broken beer bottles. No discarded diapers. Clean. Neat. I wish to suggest that other areas should consider what can be done to care for their local monuments. When DENNY and I made a drive through last year, one monument location was in terrible condition. Weeds were six feet high and lots of trash. The non-lds neighborhood refers to the monument as their monument, but I wonder what they think of us (Battalion descendants & Mormons ) who cannot maintain a simple rock garden holding a small monument. It took us ten minutes to clean it up and make it look better. I wonder how it looks this fall. This is something that doesn t require a church calling to do. It s a personal commitment. It s a Memorial Day thing. Or on July 4. Or Veteran s Day. Or maybe just a Saturday. But it needs to be done and not necessarily by the young Scouts. We need to set the example which will mean a whole lot more. Schedule & Blog Updates Please see our updated schedule online at: On the home page there are links both to our journal blog (I update as often as I can) and our near real-time tracker device showing our daily progress down the trail. Elections Results Referendum to Change By-Laws Approved by LTC MAX JAMISON, Publications Officer THE NEW NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS you elected were announced at our 20 September 2008 National Advisory Staff Meeting for two year terms running from 1 October 2008 through 1 October With approval of the Referendum to change the By-Laws, the newly elected or appointed officers are: Commander/President COL NORMAN T. EREKSON (reelected) Executive Officer/Executive Vice President/President Pro Tempore LTC JEROME G. GOURLEY (elected after appointment) Adjutant/Executive Secretary MAJ RICHARD BULLOCK (re-elected) Enlistment Officer/Vice President of Membership ERMA BULLOCK (elected after appointment) Finance Officer/Vice President of Finance MAJ GLADE I. NELSON (elected) Multimedia Officer/Vice President of Multimedia MAJ JOHN HAYES (elected as Publicity Officer, then appointed as Multimedia Officer) Publications Officer/Vice President of Publications LTC MAX W. JAMISON (appointed) Continuing non-elected Ex Officio officers are: Chief Advisor COL CARL V. LARSON Judge Advocate MAJ STANFORD P. FITTS Women s Auxiliary President ANNIE P. EREKSON Continuing non-elected Alternate Members are: Building & Fund Raising Committee Chair LTC ROBERT P. PAUL Building & Fund Raising Committee Finance Officer LTC GAYLEN MAYNES Chaplain MAJ ROGER GRUA The optional position of Leader of Associated Organization #1 presently remains unfilled. Mormon Battalion Business Plan Second of Three Parts Complete by LTC MAX JAMISON, Publications Officer SINCE THE SUMMER OF 2007, the Executive Committee has recognized the need for a unified business plan for the Mormon Battalion Association. We commissioned three increasingly detailed versions of the document: "A s the Lord lives,...you will never be forgotten... but you will be held in honorable remembrance for ever and ever." Brigham Young

4 Page 4 Part A. Draft preliminary proposal completed and disseminated to the Executive Committee by LTC JEROME GOURLEY, MAJ JOHN HAYES, and LTC MAX JAMISON on 16 September Part B. Preliminary Concept Verification after detailed review and analysis by the Executive Committee, completed and disseminated to the Executive Committee by LTC JEROME GOURLEY, MAJ JOHN HAYES, and LTC MAX JAMISON on 20 September 2008, with a slightly revised version disseminated to the general membership on 15 November Highlights of Part B include: Preamble Recognizing the hand of help, inspiration, and encouragement from the past, we make this Mormon Battalion Business Plan. We intend it to help and guide us as we obtain funding, manpower, and determine how best to identify, reach, target, and involve our audience. This Business Plan includes things already accomplished, underway, and projected for future needs. It is expressly intended to help fulfill our stated purposes of fulfilling the prophet Brigham Young s prophecy that the Mormon Battalion be held in honorable remembrance. I. Executive Summary Membership and Staffing As the Battalion expands its lay membership led by a volunteer National Executive Committee and Advisory Staff, it will become an organization of many thousands spread throughout the world. The Battalion s Legacy Center and headquarters [Note: No final name has yet been determined for our new visitors center building] will be staffed with a full-time salaried Managing Director, Multimedia Assistant Director, Event Assistant Director, Marketing Specialist, and others as needed, augmented by a part time salaried staff, plus volunteer docents and interns. Funding With only membership dues and private donations, the Battalion is already expanding. As the Battalion grows, it will need to add other sources of income, such as long term tax deductible endowments and grants, and a taxable for profit subsidiary. Building A New Legacy In fulfilling the prophesy of President Young, the Mormon Battalion Association is destined to serve and educate citizens of all ages, faiths, and national origins both locally and throughout the world. We will build a new legacy of service to future generations based upon the great heritage of our past. II. Overview of Mission and Strategic Intent Mission The modern Mormon Battalion Association has a single mission to fulfill the February 1855 prophesy of President Brigham Young: The Mormon Battalion will be held in honorable remembrance to the latest generation; and I will prophesy that the children of those who have been in the army, in defense of their country, will grow up and bless their fathers for what they did at that time. And men and nations will rise up and bless the men who went in that Battalion....As the Lord lives,...you will never be forgotten, worlds without end, but you will be had in honorable remembrance, for ever and ever. (Daniel Tyler, A Concise History of the Mormon Battalion in the Mexican War, , p. 354) This mission statement begs three questions: 1. The original Mormon Battalion will be held in honorable remembrance by whom? The Mormon Battalion Association is far more than a historical preservation group consisting of only descendants of the original Mormon Battalion. Everyone is welcome to join and take part in this great organization. 2. How are we to hold them in honorable remembrance? This question cuts to the heart of the purpose of the modern Battalion. 3. Why should men and nations to the latest generation, worlds without end, forever and ever rise up and bless the original Mormon Battalion? What grand prototype or model might they provide for unlimited future generations? It has been said that those who fail to learn from the past are destined to repeat its lessons. It is a shallow person who only looks back to honor the heritage of dead ancestors without engaging in some self examination. To fulfill Brigham Young s prophesy, we must not only retrospectively honor the past heritage of the original Mormon Battalion, we must emulate their sacrifice, allowing the past examples of their service to reverberate and amplify within us as we build a continuing legacy to future generations a prospective ensample of selfless service, unrequired compassion, and brotherly love to men and nations to the latest generation, worlds without end, forever and ever. The 1,600 year old words of our namesake, the American prophet Mormon, ring from the dust: If ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth....it endureth forever. (Moroni 7:46-47) Strategic Intent The modern Mormon Battalion Association is only just beginning to understand and fulfill its mission to the latest generation, worlds without end, forever and ever. We will teach children, youth, adults, and senior citizens throughout the world to work together to build a future legacy of personal service a legacy shared across the wide spectrum of all faiths and nationalities one where all can learn and apply the past heritage and experiences of the Mormon Battalion to their present and future daily lives. Part C. Detailed Plan Development to be completed by an independent consultant by Spring 2010 or earlier. This version is expected to add demographic analysis to Part B. "As the Lord lives,...you will never be forgotten... but you will be held in honorable remembrance for ever and ever." Brigham Young

5 Page 5 Sound Bite The Multimedia World by MAJ JOHN HAYES, Multimedia Officer WE LIVE IN A SOCIETY THAT IS CONSTANTLY BOMBARDED by images of all kinds. Some of these images bring a smile to our face, while others bring us to tears. For the first time in history, we now have quick access to almost everything that we need or seek after. With both positive and negative outcomes, instant gratification is what the public is drawn towards. We have been blessed to live in a time where almost everything is possible. With the birth of the Internet the Rapid Access of information is right at our fingertips. But that is just a small portion of our new multimedia world. Combining Audio, Video, Computer Technology, and Print is the foundation to any successful organization. No matter how large or small an organization, a multimedia division truly enhances any organization. To better understand the impact of what multi-media can offer, we turn to Double-Click, (quoted in ZDNet.com, Joseph, 2002) multimedia ads and campaigns have a 71 percent higher impact now than any other independent audio/visual medium. If the public has a choice, they will turn to multimedia as that preferred choice. We need to provide the public with what they need to continue to enjoy having access to this information. As the Multimedia Officer for the Mormon Battalion Association, my goal is to maintain the highest quality of production when representing the Mormon Battalion Association to all those who seek after information. Part of this will include having the keynote address along with other key information put online for everyone to enjoy the spirit of what the modern day Mormon Battalion has to offer. JOE CICHON, director of technical ministries at Black Rock Church in Fairfield, Connecticut, focused on what he believes is the heart of technology: We must all surrender to God s will, which will make a clear distinction in our mission. As we all serve, we must be mindful that we are all created for different purposes according to His will. By using multimedia, the modern Mormon Battalion can enhance the world s awareness of the strong and enduring Mormon Battalion members of the past. As we move forward into this exciting new Multimedia age, may we continue to be blessed in our efforts to remember those who have gone before us, and that we may walk safely on a path that has not yet been traveled as we embark in a Multimedia world. Calendar of Events by MAJ RICHARD BULLOCK, Adjutant (See website also.) January [Tu] Dixie Company Monthly Meeting. 7:00 p.m., Cottonmill Dance Hall, 300 W. Telegraph, Washington, UT. CAPT JOHNNIE JOHNSON Commander [Th] Company B Monthly Meeting. 6:30 p.m., DUP Rock Chapel, 1151 W South, West Jordan, UT. CAPT LAVAR BURTON, Commander, lburto91034@peoplepc.com. 17 [Sa] Battalion Executive Committee Meeting. All invited. 9:30 a.m.; 420 S. 800 East, Salt Lake City, UT. 22 [Th] Company D Monthly Meeting. 7:00 p.m., Logan Senior Citizen Center, 240 N. 100 East, Logan, UT. CAPT JIM HANSEN, Commander, [Th] Company C Monthly Meeting. 7:00 p.m., Roy City Library, 1950 W South, Roy, UT. CAPT CLARK OLSEN, Commander, or cell j.o.bumper@comcast.net. 30 [Fr] Special Conference about the Mormon Battalion Hosted by California Pioneer Heritage Foundation. 7:00 p.m., San Diego Stake Center, 4195 Camino Del Río, San Diego, CA. Kevin Henson will be featured speaker upon his arrival after 2,000 mile trek from Mt. Pisgah, IA. 31 [Sa] Mormon Battalion Parade and Celebration. 9:00 a.m., Old Town San Diego, CA. Details TBA. Contact Joseph Hansen, (H), (C). February [Tu] Dixie Company Monthly Meeting. 7:00 p.m., Cottonmill Dance Hall, 300 W. Telegraph, Washington, UT. CAPT JOHNNIE JOHNSON Commander [Th] Company B Monthly Meeting. 6:30 p.m., DUP Rock Chapel, 1151 W South, West Jordan, UT. CAPT LAVAR BURTON, Commander, lburto91034@peoplepc.com. 21 [Sa] Battalion Executive Committee Meeting. All invited. 9:30 a.m.; 420 S. 800 East, Salt Lake City, UT. 26 [Th] Company D Monthly Meeting. 7:00 p.m., Logan Senior Citizen Center, 240 N. 100 East, Logan, UT. CAPT JIM HANSEN, Commander, [Th] Company C Monthly Meeting. 7:00 p.m., Roy City Library, 1950 W South, Roy, UT. CAPT CLARK OLSEN, Commander, or cell j.o.bumper@comcast.net. "A s the Lord lives,...you will never be forgotten... but you will be held in honorable remembrance for ever and ever." Brigham Young

6 Page 6 Mormon Battalion Association THE VALIANT P.O. Box 1983 Sandy, UT In This Issue: Building A New Musical Legacy: 250-Voice Mormon Battalion Choir Announced Battalion Trek - 22 August-1 November 2008 Elections Results: Referendum to Change By-Laws Approved Mormon Battalion Business Plan: Second of Three Parts Complete Sound Bite: The Multimedia World Calendar of Events Unless otherwise stated, Copyright 2010 Mormon Battalion Association. All Rights Reserved. "As the Lord lives,...you will never be forgotten... but you will be held in honorable remembrance for ever and ever." Brigham Young

Text of Battalion Business Plan

Mormon Battalion THE VALIANT L TC Max W. Jamison, Publications Officer www.mormonbattalion.com W IN TER 2008 I SSU E Volume 13, No. 4 Text of Battalion Business Plan Building a New Legacy from a Great