Blessed, honored Pioneer!

This weekend, Utah celebrated the 163rd anniversary of the Mormon pioneers' arrival in the Salt Lake valley. Utah residents celebrated with parades, fireworks, barbecues, family reunions, marathons and other assorted activities, but it didn't really hit me how proud I am of my pioneer heritage until I sang the following song at church today. I was overwhelmed with gratitude. It's a great song, and was a great reminder for me of the lives they lived and person I want to be. I really want to be the person described in verse two.



"They, the Builders of the Nation"
Text: Ida R. Alldredge
Music: Alfred M. Durham

They, the builders of the nation,
Blazing trails along the way;
Stepping-stones for generations
Were their deeds of ev’ry day.
Building new and firm foundations,
Pushing on the wild frontier,
Forging onward, ever onward,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!

Service ever was their watchcry;
Love became their guiding star;
Courage, their unfailing beacon,
Radiating near and far.
Ev’ry day some burden lifted,
Ev’ry day some heart to cheer,
Ev’ry day some hope the brighter,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!

As an ensign to the nation,
They unfurled the flag of truth,
Pillar, guide, and inspiration
To the hosts of waiting youth.
Honor, praise, and veneration
To the founders we revere!
List our song of adoration,
Blessed, honored Pioneer!

By the way, I just discovered that the LDS church has an interactive music player on their web site, where you can determine whether to listen to certain parts of the hymns or include the words. Super cool!