President Monson lauded for service
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Men will work hard for money. They will work harder for other men. But men will work hardest of all when they are dedicated to a cause. Until willingness overflows obligation, men fight as conscripts, rather than following the flag as patriots. Duty is never worthily performed until it is performed by one who would gladly do more, if only he could. — Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1967)
This quote by Fosdick describes the philosophy held by President Thomas S. Monson, recipient of the 2005 Legacy of Life Award presented by the Deseret Foundation and the Heart & Lung Research Foundation on April 14.
The quotation by one of the best-known Protestant ministers in the United States was shown on large screens introducing a video presentation about President Monson, first counselor in the First Presidency, at a dinner in his honor in Salt Lake's Grand America Hotel. The presentation included President Gordon B. Hinckley, President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, and several long-time associates, including Wm. James Mortimer, former publisher of the Deseret News, and Jack Gallivan, former publisher of the Salt Lake Tribune, both of whom President Monson had association with when he was a member of the Deseret News board from 1965-1996 and chairman from 1977-1996.
President's Monson's long-time association with Scouting was acknowledged through a video tribute by Roy L. Williams, Chief Scout Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. President Monson, who holds the Silver Beaver and Silver Buffalo awards, as well as the Bronze Wolf, international Scouting's highest recognition, is the longest-serving member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America.
Also honoring President Monson was a classmate at Salt Lake's West High School, Earl Holding, president of Sinclair Oil and owner of Grand America Hotels & Resorts. President Monson's two sons, Thomas L. Monson and Clark Spencer Monson, and his daughter, Ann Monson Dibb, and his secretary, Lynne Cannegieter, commented on his life of service, leadership and friendship.
President Hinckley spoke of President Monson's efforts to work with people of other faiths for a common cause, saying, "He has been very encouraging of those of other faiths concerning taking care of the poor and the needy. He's had a close association with the Catholics and with the Protestants of this area, and has been a very strong factor in promoting care of those who are in distress."
Jon M. Huntsman Sr., an Area Seventy and chairman and CEO of Huntsman Corp., served as the evening's master of ceremonies. He commented on the words that had been spoken about President Monson, and said, "Perhaps his life can be a bit analogous to the great Danish sculptor Thorvaldsen's description of the statue of the Savior, when (Thorvaldsen) said: "They saw in Him the truth of God's compassion, sympathetic arms enthralling the sorrowing and needy.' "
David K. Redd, who presented the Legacy of Life Award to President Monson, said: "Honored, loved and revered by millions worldwide as a prominent religious leader, teacher and friend, President Monson benefits many local, national and international business, education and youth groups with his wisdom, insight and direction. His steadying influence on many Utah educational, media and service institutions is profound and enduring. His example of love and service to each individual is humbling and inspiring. His quiet dignity and compassion for others have benefited and enriched our community." He said that President Monson has served humbly, "never seeking the limelight."
After President Monson received the award, he did what is characteristic of his actions and life: he turned the attention to someone else. In this case, it was Dr. Donald B. Doty, a thoracic and cardiovascular surgeon who, earlier that day, was presented the Legacy of Life Scientific Award at a medical symposium at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City. (Please see article on page 4.)
"The lives that have been blessed by the work of the Heart & Lung Research Foundation can never be fully measured," President Monson said in acknowledging the work of Dr. Doty, researchers and those whose contributions make their work possible. "We've come such a long way in medical science. Hearts can be repaired, and they can be replaced. . . .
"It is great to be alive at this time. Much of what has been accomplished has been due to the generosity of all of you who are here tonight and others who are not here who are generous in seeing to it that men, women and children, in particular, do not suffer — because of the knowledge and skill of people such as Dr. Doty. ...
"To me, the Lord Jesus Christ provides the supreme example of healing. We remember the cripple at the Pool of Bethesda. We remember the daughter of Jairus. We remember the many lepers who were healed. The Lord took no credit for Himself."
Then, in responding to the award that had been presented to him, President Monson spoke of a man who was chairman of the board of a large corporation who went from place to place giving a particular talk that pertained to words. "This great man, Robert Woodruff, had in his speech this message:
" 'The five most important words in the English language are these: I am proud of you.
" 'The four most important words are these: What is your opinion?
" 'The three most important words are these: If you please.
" 'The two most important words are these: Thank you.
" 'The least important word is this: I.' "
After a brief pause, President Monson said, "I simply want to say, 'Thank you.' "
He added, "I pay tribute to my wife, Frances. She has been by my side through thick and thin, here and abroad, wherever we've been called to serve. She is the light of my life. This October 7 will mark the 57th anniversary of our marriage in the Salt Lake Temple. I'm grateful that she's here with me. . . . I'm glad that my family is here tonight. We're not overly numerous, but I love each one with all my heart."
President Monson was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve on Oct. 4, 1963, at the age of 36. He has served as a counselor in the First Presidency since Nov. 10, 1985, initially as second counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson, and then, beginning on June 5, 1994, as second counselor to President Howard W. Hunter. On March 12, 1995, he was set apart as first counselor to President Gordon B. Hinckley.
E-mail to: gerry@desnews.com
