"I have faith in the future of this promised land of America and in its institutions of representative government, but more than that, I have faith in you, the youth of America, to build even more securely on the foundations laid by the faith and devotion of your pioneer fathers. That you as the youth of the Church would have an important part to play in preserving the ideals of this great country as quoted by one who was very close to him. I quote the words of Eliza R. Snow: “I heard the Prophet Joseph Smith say ‘that the time would come when this nation would so far depart from its original purity, its glory, and its love of freedom and the protection of civil and religious rights, that the Constitution of our country would hang, as it were, by a thread.’ He also said that this people, the sons of Zion, would rise up and save the Constitution and bear it off triumphantly.” (Eliza R. Snow, 1870, Women of Mormondom by Tullidge.)

So today is no time for youth to whimper the refrain of the defeated and retire to the fancied security of the regimented state. Today is the day for youth to gird themselves with the armor of peace, having as their weapons “the shield of faith . . . and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Eph 6:16–17.)"

-President Harold B. Lee

vote

I had a great conversation with my roommate today about the incredible blessings we have in our lives to be here now, and to know what we know. We also have big shoes to fill. I think of all of the people who sacrificed everything for the opportunity we have today. The least we can do is go stand in line or send a paper in the mail. If you have the chance to vote, go do it. We are the rising generation. We are the new voice, and we need to do everything in our power to try and uphold this decaying world. We have great power, but great responsibility. I love this picture. I'm grateful for the opportunity that I have to vote as a girl in the United States of America. We have a responsibility to our great grandmothers, grandmothers, and mothers who paved the way and tried to help make our lives as safe as they possibly could, and now we have a responsibility to our future daughters to do the same. I feel as a girl, I especially have a duty knowing how hard it was in order for me and other women to have the right to vote. Today I am thankful for my right to vote, for my country, for my heritage, and for my ancestors. I am so proud to be a citizen of the United States of America.