From the days of the Mormon Battalion through every war and every peace since, members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have shown their love and dedication to the United States of America with a passionate and devoted spirit. Many have served and sacrificed in countless ways as "builders of the nation." That spirit and dedication was honored in story at song at the annual Pioneer Day Commemoration Concert presented Friday night in the Conference Center by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square under the direction of Mack Wilberg and with honored guests Brian Stokes Mitchell and Linda Eder.
The multimedia presentation "For Those Who Follow: A Tribute to Our Armed Forces" demonstrated the common bonds between pioneers and soldiers; the sharing of faith and fortitude, struggles and fears; and the building of hope for the future.