A couple of weeks ago, my husband and I decided to visit: This is the Place Heritage Park. We went online to schedule a time to visit and to pay for our tickets. When we arrived, it was quiet, with very few guests , due to social distancing associated with COVID 19. There were still many of the buildings, and grounds open for self tours.

One of the memorable places we visited was the Pioneer Children Memorial. Here we saw bronze statues of children, and stones engraved with the names of children who travelled across the plains on their way to Zion, but who died along the trail. There was a spirit of reverence, as we considered the suffering of these little ones and the grief of their families as they said goodbye to these dear children. My earliest convert ancestors lost a one-year-old daughter, Elmira Zallotta Clinger, as they crossed the plains. My 3rd great grandmother, Harriet Chapin Clinger, shared how the only way she was able to bear the grief of losing this daughter and burying her near the Platte River, was her testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, and her faith to follow the prophet, and gather to Zion.

The faith and courage of our pioneer ancestors, as they traveled through an unknown wilderness, wrought with hardships we may have never faced, is truly amazing . Maybe some of these pioneers were your ancestors.

It’s questionable right now whether or not we will be able to celebrate Pioneeer Day as we have in the past, with parades, picnics, rodeos, baseball games or large fireworks shows. Maybe we can celebrate Pioneer Day in a way that is even more significant, as we study the lives of our Pioneer ancestors. At Family Search you can find information about your family members who were pioneers, read their stories, journals and learn of their experiences as they gathered to Zion.

Perhaps your pioneer ancestor who accepted the gospel and became a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints lived more recently. Maybe you are that pioneer. What is the trail like that you travel? That they traveled? How will you share their experiences or your own experiences as you have come unto Christ as the “pioneer” in your family.

As you link to your family tree on Family Search, you can post your stories and memories to inspire others on their journey, and be inspired as you read the stories of those pioneers who have gone before. –Elaine Hardman