Pioneer Day

I realize how difficult it was for the Mormon pioneers to treck from Missouri to Utah because I saw the movie. 

Once they arrived, and Brigham Young said "This is the place", his followers proclaimed This place in Utah Zion, meaning Monument; raised up; sepulcher. There were hardships. Crickets came in great numbers, so they prayed for the crickets be irraticaticated. So, flocks of sea gulls came and ate all of the crickets. 

Only recently did we discover that crickets are really quite good for you. 

Every year on July 24th, the State of Utah celebrates pioneer day. There are cities in the country who also recognize the pioneers who founded their city, such as Chico and Pasa Robles, California, Lafayette, Florida, Florence, Colorado, Englewood, Florida, Manassas, Colorado and more. There is an obvious difference. Utah celebrates as a state, while the others as a city.

It is said that in 1847, Brigham Young declared, "This is the place." Done. Utahns pioneer day celebration was low key until 1880, when they were recognized as a state and denounced polygamy from their doctrine. Pioneer Day then became a multi state holiday, with The Church of Christ, Latter Day Saints, as they prefer to be called, serving as the catalyst for the holiday.

I do not celebrate that day, but it is a recognized state holiday, so it's a day off to barbecue and watch more fireworks. Some people dress in 1847 garb, while others actually trek the Utah pioneer trail.

I think it's great to celebrate the pioneers that founded Salt Lake City, but I don't like it being a state holiday. The entire state was not founded by the pioneers, just Salt Lake City. Also, they fly American Flags on that day, as if it were a national holiday. I hate that. It is not a national holiday, so take down the American flag and replace it with the Utah flag!

The implication is that our nation would not be without the latter day saints. Baloney. Many states were founded before Utah. Many. If Brigham Young had not declared "This is the place", someone else would have done it.

I have only one thing to complain about living in Utah. There seems to be no division of church and state. The Mormons control legislation, so some of the laws are ridiculous. Much of it is derived from the Book of Mormon or the doctrine of covenants, which I find ludicrous.

These are just my opinions that I live with here in Utah. The lds people are very nice, for the most part, so outside of legislation issues, it's a great place to live. Beautiful mountains, unparalleled skiing, breathtaking resorts, hiking, biking and much more.

I'll see you tomorrow.