One of Utah's most acclaimed organizations, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, commemorated on Sunday morning the 80th anniversary of its weekly program, "Music and the Spoken Word." The half-hour program is the world's longest-running continuous network broadcast.

Among the program's celebrants was President Thomas S. Monson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, who serves also as the choir's adviser.

In remarks during a program after the weekly broadcast, President Monson said that as he sat in the audience at Red Rocks Amphitheater near Denver during the choir's final concert on its recent tour, he offered a silent prayer of gratitude "for this magnificent choir, for the orchestra, for an inspired director, and for all the others associated with this organization. How blessed we are to have such gifted individuals willing to share their abundant talents."

He said that inasmuch as he was not quite 2 years old when the first broadcast of "Music and the Spoken Word" aired on July 15, 1929, he cannot remember a time when the program has not been part of his life.

"Over the years, this weekly program of beautiful music and uplifting sermons has inspired countless individuals throughout the world," President Monson said. "I, myself, have had many experiences with those whose lives have been changed as a result of the Sunday morning broadcasts.

"I am certain that there would be no way to count all whose lives have been touched, whose hearts have been lifted, during the past 80 years by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, called by many 'America's Choir,' and by the poignant sermons which have been given.

"As we commence the 81st year of 'Music and the Spoken Word,' I again give thanks to our Heavenly Father for all who participate in this uplifting and inspiring program. May they continue to be blessed, and may the next 80 years be as successful as the past 80 have been."

A proclamation by Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. was read stating July 15, 2009 (the date of the actual 80th anniversary of "Music and the Spoken Word"), was designated as "Mormon Tabernacle Choir Day" in Utah. The proclamation was read by Stan Parrish, a longtime volunteer with the Tabernacle Choir. Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert was in the audience.

"Music and the Spoken Word" is carried on more than 2,000 radio and television stations and cable systems.