Every year, Pioneer Day is a reminder of my own immigration story into this country.
Pioneer Day is the ideal holiday for Americans with immigrant background, a way to celebrate their journey to Utah. While the journey and struggles have changed in 152 years, the basic motivations are the same.
Just like the pioneers, immigrants are running away from something in the pursuit of a better life. They are willing to sacrifice everything, in the hopes that they and their family can live to their utmost potential. And, just like the pioneers, once the immigrants have settled in and found security, it is instinctive for them to bring their family and loved ones. The journey might have started alone, but it was always about family.
I’m glad to live in a community that is filled with descendants of pioneers, who were just like me.
Siavash Ghaffari, Salt Lake City
