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Show Gran supports Mormon Trail Bill Citing the importance of preserving "our pioneer heritage," U.S. Senator Jake Garn this week testified in support of the creation of a national system of historic trails, including the Mormon Trail. Garn told the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources that such a system is provided for in The National Historic Trail Act of 1978 which he is co-sponsoring co-sponsoring with Senator Orrin Hatch. Garn told the committee, however, he and Hatch are anxious that the Mormon Trail receive "historic trail" status either alone or in tandem with other significant trails. Utah's senior senator said it would be "impossible to exaggerate" the importance of the westward trek by the Mormon Pioneers on the cultural patterns of the people of Utah. "Those whose ancestors died or were born along the trail of tears all experience a unifying feeling, a oneness with forebearers willing to undertake any sacrifice for the sake of liberty of worship," wor-ship," he said. "Those who live in Utah who are not descended from the original pioneers share a similar heritage, and must stand in awe of the accomplishments of these simple people of the last half of the 19th century." cen-tury." Garn warned that unless steps were taken to preserve the remnants of the trek, "it will become impossible for us to identify with those who died pushing handcarts from Missouri." |