Keywords

church history, mormon studies, latter-day saints, winter quarters

Abstract

On this Memorial Day weekend, it is altogether fitting and appropriate that we gather today at this sacred place to remember the lives of our progenitors everywhere. From Gettysburg to Hiroshima, from Arlington to Flanders Field, and from the city cemetery to the family plot, we honor our dead ancestors and friends long since stilled. Whether they died on the battle fields of war or perished in the labor of giving birth, we honor them. Whether on the trail to a new life in Oregon or a new chance in Ukraine, they all were the lifeline to our present bright day. So today we come to express appreciation and to reflect-- each in his or her own way. I am honored to say a few words on behalf of all of you here at Mormonism's other sacred grove. though not a descendant of any of those buried here or anywhere else along the trail of exodus, I am a willing participant of their faith. I well remember my first visit here forty-one years ago and my boyish impatience at searching a cemetery. The Hill Cumorah was exciting. Nauvoo was inspiring. But this was a sad and lonely place with losses all around. Why ever stop here?

Original Publication Citation

Some Reflections at Winter Quarters, The Nauvoo Journal Vol. 9 #2 (Fall 1997): 3-4