It takes a pioneer to start a community. It takes a community to keep a community going.

I witnessed the result of this heritage connection this weekend at the Hyde Park Community Celebration. City leaders, community members, school classes, and families came together to create a wonderful event.

It was an honor to be part of the patriotic program Friday night at the Hyde Park community celebration where I was asked to share a few remarks.

I collaborated with Mark Hurd, one of our city councilmembers, on the essence of my remarks in hopes that together we would create a message that connected well with the audience.

What follows is the transcript of the speech I delivered.

The video link at the end includes the entire 17 minutes program. Be sure to enjoy our Hyde Park 4th graders singing “Iron Wheels A Rollin” and “Utah, This Is The Place.”

I extend a special debt of gratitude to Sgt. Ben Rogers of the Utah National Guard for organizing our military Honor Guard for the patriotic Program and the Saturday morning parade.

PATRIOTIC SPEECH

We have gathered tonight to celebrate the remarkable history of Hyde Park and our Pioneer Heritage. A place where respect for and service to our neighbor is common. A place where we find peace. A place where our liberty to live as we choose is valued. A place where a higher purpose guides our actions.

We also celebrate the goodness of the United States of America. We honor those who have served our country.

One of those is Staff Sergeant David James Hancey (pictured center) who is currently deployed to Afghanistan. Staff Sergeant Hancey grew up in Hyde Park and is the son of Dave and Laurel Hancey and Annette Brown.

We also honor tonight with deep reverence those who have fallen defending our freedom.

We remember especially Hyde Park’s own fallen son… Lance Corporal Michael J. Allred, son of Brett and Zell Allred.

Tonight, we pause to give respect and reverence for our Flag.

Our Flag… The symbol of the greatest nation ever on earth. A land where the pursuit of individual happiness, correctly nurtured, has made prosperity possible for each of us as we are lifted by the good works of our fellow citizens.

This year, 2019, we commemorate a historical Utah moment of National significance.

150 years ago, the transcontinental railroad was completed with a “Golden Spike” at Promontory Summit.

It was this moment that connected the eastern and the western parts of the United States and changed our country forever.

This project, as significant as the other great wonders of the world, achieved connection across America, united our country together, “Sea to Shining Sea,” and laid the foundation for the American economic boom.

The meeting of the two rails in 1869 inspired this inscription engraved on the golden spike. The message is still relevant today:

“May God continue the unity of our Country as this Railroad unites the two great Oceans of the world”

As we listen to the words of these great songs to be sung by our 4th graders, and then tune our ears and hearts as the Hyde Park Royalty sing the Star-Spangled Banner…

May we remember the collective strength of our pioneers, our military service members, and those who built the rails uniting our country. Think about their commitment to a higher cause to create greatness in our country.

I invite us each to be as they were…

United in heart, character, and strength, always striving to come together as one.

May God bless you. May God bless our beautiful Hyde Park and Cache Valley. And may God bless our beautiful country, the United States of America.

Thank you.

Click the image above for the link to the video of the 17-minute program.

Have a great Monday! Thanks for letting me share.

Les

p.s. Take 13 minutes today to share a tidbit of your own pioneer heritage with someone you love.

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