Hyde Park and Cache Valley are places that evoke a sense of belonging–a sanctuary we yearn to return to after being away. The quest for a place to call home has resonated deeply with people across generations and cultures.

Our community gathered Saturday night to celebrate the heritage of the place we call. We had the parade with a military honor guard leading the way, the city royalty, a bunch of homemade floats, and emergency vehicles with their lights and sirens. We had the booths on the park, delicious food, games, a car show, and a patriotic program underneath the stars before the fireworks.

And I put on my Class “A” Army Dress Uniform, participated in the Flag ceremony, and shared a few thoughts on the heroes in our lives.

All of this because a bunch of Mormon Pioneers crossed the plains nearly 200 years ago.

MORMON PIONEERS

The Mormon pioneers began their journey in Palmyra, New York, and ventured westward in search of a home where they could practice their faith free from persecution. Their arduous journey led these early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from New York to Kirtland, Ohio; Independence, Missouri; and finally to Nauvoo, Illinois.

Nauvoo, their “City Beautiful,” proved to also be only a temporary home. During the harsh winter of 1846 to 1847, this determined group of Latter-day Saints fled Nauvoo and set up a temporary settlement on the western banks of the Missouri River, known as Winter Quarters.

The term “Mormon Pioneer” comes from their journey from Winter Quarters to the Great Salt Lake Valley. This expedition symbolized their pursuit of a place to live their religion, raise their families, and finally call home.

MICHAEL ALLRED & RON WOOD

Our military men and women serve, fight, and sacrifice so we can have a place to call home. Among these brave souls were Michael Allred and Ron Wood, two heroes who paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

Lance Corporal Michael J. Allred, from Hyde Park and son of Brett and Zell Allred, joined the Marine Corps straight out of high school. He served two tours in Iraq, was wounded during his first tour, and tragically killed on his second on September 6, 2004.

Sergeant First Class Ronald Tanner Wood was part of the Utah National Guard unit from Logan, Bravo Battery, 148th Field Artillery Battalion–nicknamed the “Boys of Bravo Battery.” I deployed with Ron during our tour in Iraq. We crossed the desert into Iraq in December 2004, and our unit experienced casualties within the first few weeks.

On July 16, 2005, Ron Wood and his team had a brief respite from their mission, returning to our base in Kirkuk to do laundry, shower, and connect with family. Ron visited me in the Tactical Operations Center before heading out again.

Shortly after, a message came over our secure radios: their convoy had been hit by a massive IED. The roadside bomb destroyed Ron’s vehicle, killing him and severely wounding two of his soldiers, Specialists Eric Lund and Chris Olson.

Michael and Ron were not just fellow soldiers; they were friends. They served, fought, and gave their lives so we could have a place to call home.

OUR TURN

Now, it’s your turn to build on the legacy of the pioneers in your life, those who are just as important as my pioneers are to me. And join me in honoring by never forgetting the heroes who sacrificed all for our freedom such as Michael Allred and Ron Wood

May we each cherish the place we call home, and may God bless the United States of America, a place we each are blessed to call home.

❤️❤️❤️

Have a great Monday! Thanks for letting me share.

I Love You, friend!

Les Patterson

p.s. Take 13 minutes today to honor the pioneer heroes in your life.