Aselin

Today is a big day in Mormondom. To the rest of the world the 24th of July is just another day, for us it constitutes at least a Utah State holiday, a parade and the sanctioning of firework displays.

The 24th of July is the day we commemorate the Mormon Pioneers entering the Salt Lake Valley. After bring pillaged, driven, murdered and persecuted to their limit the westward trek offered escape from the torture of neighboring with those who misunderstood them.

The westward journey was no day hike. The trail from Nauvoo, Illinois to Salt Lake is littered with priceless possessions. Heirloom rocking chairs, dishes, and other material items who's weight became a burden against the harshness of travel. More heartbreaking are those lost in the journey, buried in unmarked graves, often too shallow to protect against wildlife. Those losses left unshedable burdens to their loved ones who journeyed on. It was a trail of tears.

While I don't have any family members who were a part of the famous migration, the footprints of those men, women and children have left an indelible imprint on my life. Much of what I hold dear is connected to the fruits of that journey.

Whether or not you're a Mormon, we all have pioneers in our heritage. Recognizing the sacrifice and courage of those who came before us give us perspective. Family members, community forefathers, inventors, settlers, founders, those who embraced the essence of America and made something out of nothing bless us all. So on this 24th of July take a moment to reflect on the gifts you inherited from those who went before you.

Rarely were those gifts created without paying a great price.