By May Hunter, For Iron County Today
Spreading American values and beliefs: As pioneers moved westward, they brought with them the principles and ideals that shaped America’s identity. Throughout history, there have been many pioneers with rich stories to tell who have helped shape our lives – ”The Pioneer Legacy Celebration” honored these courageous pioneers.
Several thousand people packed the Southern Utah University’s Eccles Coliseum on June 24, 2024. Country/Pop/Southern Rock singer and entertainer, Nathan Osmond emceed the entire program. Nathan is more than just “A Little Bit Country”- he sang several of his top hits during the pre-show, and included all those who wanted to participate in song and dance. During the pre-show that preceded the main event, emcee and featured performer Nathan Osmond introduced the Henry Lunt family for their ancestors being the first to start Cedar City in the early days. One of the highlights was honoring the Utah National Guard 213th Field Artillery Battalion’s courage and dedication during the Korean War – the battle known as the “Miracle of Gapyeong.”
Also, during the pre-show, producer Justin Osmond, who is mostly deaf, brought on stage a hearing impaired local girl and gifted her a pair of hearing aids, sponsored by the Olive Osmond Hearing Fund. The Olive Osmond Hearing Fund, established in late 2010 by Olive’s grandson Justin Osmond, is dedicated to bringing music to the ears of thousands worldwide who are living with hearing loss.
SUU Aviation conducted a choreographed Patriotic Air Show, passing over the stadium crowd several times, in a unique formation. If you saw several helicopters flying over Cedar City recently, it was the SUU Aviation Flight School perfecting their spectacular aerial performance.
Just after 10:30 p.m., the show was over. Justin Osmond and his father, Merrill Osmond stated they plan to bring the show back to Cedar City again next year. “A Great Legacy, Our Youth-We believe that the pioneers who traveled across this nation and tamed the wilds of southern Utah passed on a great legacy to those of us living here today. Yet there is so much more to their story than the traditional Pioneer Day narration of their migration, with its hardships and sacrifices.
Merrill Osmond knew he wanted to share their story through music, dance and fireworks and had a burning desire for young people to present it. Children are often able to express messages more clearly, and draw out deep emotions when adults sometimes cannot. The pioneer stories of faith, sacrifice, endurance, and even miracles in the face of enormous trials and tremendous adversity are important for us to know and understand as we encounter our own trials and adversity”-Merrill Osmond.
The production was based on the strong belief that today’s youth are the hope and future of tomorrow. This production featured more than 100 youth who sang, danced and re-lived the stories of the pioneer trek west and their attempt to settle the untamed valley of southern Utah. The production was complete with wagons, handcarts, live animals, entertainment, music, special guests and one of the largest fireworks displays.
The production also told of the journey of the pioneers and conveyed tales of all of Utah’s other settlers, such as Catholic missionary colonizers, Greek and Italian pioneers; the Chinese, Jewish and Mormon settlers; as well as the Americans.
“The rising generation needs to be strong and to be a positive voice to overcome the voices of darkness and despair. Our amazing cast is a magical mix of this remarkable generation of future leaders, especially our little ones. We hope this show will “plant in the hearts of children the promises made to their fathers…and that the hearts of the children will turn to their fathers, grandfathers and pioneer ancestors.”-Merrill Osmond Founder.
“The Osmond Family is so excited to partner with Cedar City, Southern Utah University, and Iron County, and to work alongside the Cedar City Children’s Musical Theater to honor and pay tribute to our beloved pioneers. Working with some of the wonderful title sponsors Leavitt Group, Canyon Media, Albertsons, Blvd Home, Southwest Plumbing, Cache Valley Bank, Cedar City, Enoch City, Iron County Tourism, Steam Rollers, Zion State Storage, and many more…we are proud to honor the legacy and heritage of our beloved southern Utah pioneers”- Justin Osmond.
The Merrill Osmond Production would like to thank everyone who volunteered their time and talents to this year’s “Pioneer Legacy Celebration.”