Patriotic Sacrament Meeting, Patriotic Fireside

Oh Beautiful for Spacious Skies

Our ward choir sang and a narration was given of a tribute to the founding fathers and the prophecies of the ancient prophets in the Book of Mormon. I really loved the songs we sang, "My Country Tis of Thee," "America the Beautiful," "God of Our Fathers," "Star Spangled Banner." These songs were stirring to my soul and I had tears flow as we sang. I moved my lips some of the time since I couldn't sing when I felt the spirit. I was very glad I voluntarily participated in the choir. Our choir director told us at practice to move our lips even if we couldn't sing, so I did with her permission.

The speaker was a WW II veteran and Korean War veteran gave a talk after our patriotic presentation. He told about George Washington and his soldiers at Valley Forge. Interestingly enough, the speaker at the Freedom Festival Fireside also spoke of President Washington. There seemed to be a connection and the spirit was very stirring at both meetings.

The speaker in my ward mentioned that his son did his master thesis on the religious persuasion of George Washington as he was the first president of the United States after gaining freedom from Great Britain. I learned many things I was not aware of about the war for independence and I want to know more about Bro. Brightenstein's son's thesis. He must have done a lot of research on the subject and it is timely.

Glenn Beck was the fireside speaker at the Marriott Center at BYU. He gave a stirring talk and gave it his all. The audience was thrilled to have him come speak to us there in Provo. He was given a standing ovation before Stephen Covey introduced him as speaker. Then when he was finished with his speech, everyone stood up again. Me included.

Glenn Beck's talk also spoke of George Washington. Ironically, his talk complemented the ward speaker's talk. I know Beck was very direct and didn't mince words. He was compared to Paul of the New Testament, and another honorable hero. If I can remember who it was he was compared to I will fill it in later.

This time of year, I am especially grateful for my ancestors who went across the Mexican desert in a freight train to San Antonio, Texas. My father had not yet been born, who was born almost three years later. My grandfather wrote me a letter that I have when I wrote to him to thank him for coming to the United States. He recounted his journey with my grandmother, Maria Refugio and their eleven month old daughter, Consuelo, (Chelo). The rest is part of our family history.

In case some of you haven't seen the family website, email Hank for information to be invited to visit the site.