Paul Willie, a descendant of Willie company captain James G. Willie, reminded hundreds of Latter-day Saints on Saturday night that while public attention is rightly focused on the courage and suffering of the two handcart companies, it was near the end of their journey.

Starting from Liverpool, England, on May 2, they had traveled more than 6,400 miles over sea, by rail and barge, and finally by handcart, before arriving in Salt Lake City on Nov. 9, 1856.

Now president of the church's Mendon Utah Stake, Paul Willie recounted some of the trials that those with his great-great grandfather endured and urged Latter-day Saints to draw courage and faith from their example as they face their own challenges.

"You don't have to push a handcart, or leave your family dear, or walk 1,000 miles to be a pioneer," he said.

The celebration has attracted the notice of government officials, including Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman and Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack.

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