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We use names to identify everything in our world. Names are what give us a focal point and a place of reference. I recently did an article on how Eagle Mountain’s name was selected. There are a lot of other areas in Eagle Mountain that have names. One of the most common ones is the divide that physically separates what people call the City Center and the Ranches areas of Eagle Mountain. This physical pass is called Unity Pass.
I came across an interesting item in the Eagle Mountain City Council minutes for December 7, 2004. Item 11, stated the following. “Consideration and approval to allow the 4th grade students at the Pony Express and the 5th grade students at Eagle Valley Elementary Schools to name the pass between North and South Service Areas (the pass is located by the Lone Tree subdivision)”
The minutes go on to name Mr. Rocque as the teacher of the 4th grade class from Pony Express Elementary. Mr. Rocque has has since retired from teaching for the Apline School District. I wanted to get details on the project that the classes had, as well as the song that the students sang to the City Council before they thanked them for listening to their proposal. I contacted the Eagle Mountain City Recorder to see if the City had a copy. The City did have a copy of the proposal and the song. I have to apologize for some of the grammar and spelling in the proposal, I am adding it without any edits.
The project was named, “Unity Eagle Mountain – one city – one heart – two worlds unite”.
Background – “Our City of Eagle Mountain has been divided geographically into two cities the city center and the ranches, because of the insightful leadership of the mayor and city council, we now have a new beautiful road connecting the two cities.”
Issue – “Our city has been separated geographically as well as mentally in people’s minds, we have bridged the gap geographically with a beautiful new road, but in peoples minds the city still remains separate.”
Impact – “By naming the pass Unity Pass we will be will be making statement that will bridge the mental separation of the two cities, connecting them in peoples minds, on city one heart.”
The city council voted in favor of naming the pass Unity Pass. “Mark Madsen moved to accept the children’s proposal and name the pass between The Ranches and City Center, located by the Lone Tree subdivision, Unity Pass. Linn Strouse seconded the motion. Ayes: Linn Strouse, David Blackburn, Vincent Liddiard, Mark Madsen; Nays: 0. Motion passed.”
This divide between the two areas of Eagle Mountain has been a point of concern over the years. Several of the resident submitted questions to the current Mayor and City Council candidates on this subject for the candidate debate. One resident asked, “There is a divide in the city between City Center and The Ranches. This divide is not only physical, but is also a divide created by the residents mentally as well. Do you think this is a problem with unity in the city, and if so, what is your plan on bringing more unity to the city?” Another resident asked, “Do you value city center? In what ways? Can we make districts or something to ensure there is always city center representation on city council?” This question was asked the candidates, “There were a couple of questions submitted that dealt with a real or perceived divide between the Ranches and City Center. What will you do to close that divide and increase unity, and do you think Eagle Mountain should consider organizing electoral Districts to ensure that each area of the City is represented equally?”
Even back in January 2002 the City Council and Mayor looked into ways of setting up “Communication Districts.” They even setup a committee to looking the problem, and to report back on how to solve the perceived communication divide between the two areas. They discussed electoral districts as an option to help try to solve the divide problem.
I think that we should turn to the song that was written by Kevin Rocque and sung by his 4th grade class:
Listen all people come and unite, hear our clarion call to one and all Unity, Unity rights through the valley and upward through the hills Unity, Unity come and sing. Unity, Unity throughout our land Listen all people come and unite, hear our clarion call to one and all Unity, Unity rights through the valley and upward through the hills Unity, Unity come and sing. Unity, Unity throughout our land Rise all people come and unite, hear our clarion call to one and all Unity, Unity rings through a darkened night touching a heart once torn apart, Unity, Unity come and sing. Unity, Unity throughout our land Sing all people come and unite, hear our clarion call to one and all Unity, Unity holding hands marching where once brother fought brother throughout our land Unity, Unity come and sing. Unity, Unity throughout our land Rise all people come and unite, hear our clarion call to one and all Unity, Unity carrying lights marching the night, where darkness once fell Unity, Unity come and sing. Unity, Unity throughout our land Harmony, Harmony her for us all, come and hear our clarion call. Unity, Unity Listen all people come and unite, bring in the light, (all of us) Harmony, Harmony! UNITY, UNITY, UNITY.
Additional Resources
Proposal Document
Mike Kieffer is an IT geek by hobby and trade, with a BS in Information Systems & Technology. He is a proud father of 10, a grandpa, an author, a journalist, and internet publisher. His motto is to “Elevate, Inspire and Inform”, and he is politically conservative and a Christian. Mike has a passion for technology, writing, and helping others. With a wealth of experience, he is committed to sharing his knowledge with others to help them reach their full potential. He is known for his jackassery or his form of self-expression that encourages boldness, creativity, and risk-taking. It can be a way to push the boundaries and challenge traditional norms, leading to creative solutions and positive change.