Mapleton Patriotic Ceremony 2012

Patriotic Service | chris | July 24, 2012 at 5:37 pm

Mapleton began its 24th of July Pioneer Day festivities, “Move Forward with Faith,” by taking a grateful look at the past. Scouts, singers, and speakers paid tribute to pioneers and veterans who sacrificed so that Mapleton could become what it is today.

Emcee Bill Maxfield conducted the ceremony. Scouts from the Mapleton 8th Ward began the services by performing a flag ceremony. Singer Alexis Robinson then sang the National Anthem.

The featured speaker was long-time Mapleton resident Brad Brinkerhoff. “I’ve been coming to Mapleton’s Pioneer Day for 45 years now,” he said. “There have been a lot of changes in Mapleton, but this celebration reminds me of how important it is to move forward in faith.

“The pioneers pressed forward in faith, and as they did so, miracles happened. They worked for freedom and a better life. Many of our freedoms have come about through the faith and hope of pioneers, and the selfless sacrifices of veterans,” he added, noting some of the contributions of Mapleton citizens including his father, father-in-law, and other members of Mapleton’s founding families.

He then read the words of the pioneer favorite, “Come, come ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear, but with joy wend your way. Though hard to you this journey may appear, Grace shall be as your day.”

In conclusion, he sang an old-time Mapleton song, “Mapleton is My Town.” The words still apply today: “Mapleton is my town, Mapleton for me, This is the place to be … And it all adds up to home sweet home to me.”

The ceremonies closed with Jocelyn Baker singing a patriotic song, followed by a closing prayer.