WOODS CROSS, Utah — The faith and obedience of the Mormon Battalion left behind a rich and noble heritage, a solid foundation for future generations to build upon, said Elder L. Tom Perry of the Quorum of the Twelve.

Photo by John L. Hart

Re-enactors from modern battalion's Company A present arms after flag ceremony. Their attire is authentic in that most in early battalion gave uniform money to their families.

Photo by Edward Linsmier/Deseret Morning News

A former U.S. Marine, Elder L. Tom Perry describes ordeal of long marches, as well as contributions of Mormon Battalion.

"Religion was the central theme that shaped these men in the battalion in many of its ways," said Elder Perry. "They were obedient to the voice of a prophet of God."

Elder Perry spoke June 17 on Mormon Battalion Heritage Day, held to honor the 160th anniversary of the only religious unit in American military history in federal service with a religious title. They volunteered under the direction of President Brigham Young in 1846. Establishing a reputation of industry and frugality as they went, they completed one of the longest marches in U.S. military history. En route, they contributed to road-building, helped finance the Church's westward migration, and even participated in the discovery of gold in California. As promised by President Young, they never engaged in combat.

The anniversary event, held at the Church's Bountiful Regional Center, included presentation of colors by re-enactors of Company A, in 1840s-style attire and equipment; specially composed music about the battalion that was performed by the Sterling Singers; commentary by Bob Evans, news anchor of KSTU/Fox Channel 13; and welcoming remarks by Col. Norman T. Erekson, commander, U.S. Mormon Battalion. Paintings, flags and relics were displayed as a reminder of the battalion's contributions. Elder Perry, and his wife, Barbara Perry, were presented with honorary life memberships in the battalion by Col. Erekson.

Col. Erickson also announced that in July 2007-08, a group of re-enactors will follow the battalion's original route. (See www.mormonbattalion.com.)

A former U.S. Marine, Elder Perry began his remarks by recounting his experience of a forced, 48-hour, 40-mile march, which, difficult as it was, did not compare to the 2,000-mile, 193-day grueling journey, often on half-day rations, of the Mormon Battalion.

"Few soldiers have ever faced the difficult circumstances that the Mormon soldiers faced in 1846," said Elder Perry. "Their families were also crossing the plains, incurring hardships and dangers themselves, rather than being comforted and protected at home. . . . Can you imagine the stress they put their families through, leaving their wives, and children to make that long journey? Can you imagine the reunion that occurred when they arrived?"

A different kind of stress faces family units of today, he said. "Divorce is rampant, high debt is all too much in evidence. Immorality is all too commonplace. Again, we must be certain we are rendezvousing with our families, that we keep them strong."

Preserving heritage is a major challenge for today's societies, and in so doing, he said, "We must teach that families are first, teach the pre-eminence of the home and the family as the basic organization of society and the Church. The family organization is one that can endure through the eternities. Therefore, we must continue to look at all programs that strengthen the family unit, and we must remember that marriage and family are absolutely necessary for the Lord to complete His heavenly plan. . . .

"If we are to preserve this noble heritage, which has been given us by the sacrifices of the men, women and children of the Mormon Battalion, we must be eternally vigilant. We must see that succeeding generations remember and live worthy of keeping it alive and keeping our families strong."

Service is another foundation principle given by the Mormon Battalion. While in San Diego, they accepted employment by the inhabitants, such as digging wells, building houses, and making bricks. The first bricks in San Diego were made and burned by the Mormon battalion, he said.

"They had a sterling reputation of industry, frugality and service." A lesson of their industry can be learned by people of today, where too much sedentary time is spent in front of television, and computers, he said. "Their reputation for service, their example, can be a light to all of us. Our own reputation should be for industry, for frugality, for service. We must teach our children this great lesson as they go forward. . . .

"How strong is your will to give your lives to righteous service? We must remember the heritage which is ours."

E-mail to: jhart@desnews.com