Thus it is that not only John D. Lee as a man, but the forces which were set into motion by the one tragedy in which he was an important actor, reach out and touch life and history from many angles, the last word of which remains to be said.

Through all the eighty-four years which have elapsed since the execution of John D. Lee, the dearest hope of his many descendants has been that his name should some day be cleared. An action taken on Thursday, April 20, 1961, has made that hope a reality for them.

On that day the First Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve of the Mormon Church met in a joint session and "It was the action of the Council after considering all the facts available that authorization be given for the re-instatenent to membership and former blessings to John D. Lee."

On May 8 and 9 following, the necessary ordinances were performed in the Salt Lake Temple.