Confirmation and Critical Information

We were contacted by a representative from Church Public Affairs, and he has confirmed the route of the funeral procession. It will head south on West Temple, then east on South Temple, to N Street and into the cemetery.

He also gave us some critical information that we need to get out to everyone planning to participate. Salt Lake City has an ordinance in place that prohibits any demonstrations within 200 ft. of a funeral. That distance is determined by the property line of any venues being used for the funeral. This, therefore, includes not only the Conference Center, but also Temple Square and Administration Square where the Church Office and Church Administration Buildings are located.

Sadly, even in death we cannot escape the protesters who have made it clear they plan to disrupt this solemn occasion. For this reason, church officials have asked the city to strictly enforce this ordinance. Unfortunately, even positive demonstrations, like the Cane Wave Tribute, are covered by this ordinance. Anyone gathering to wave a cane or handkerchief along West Temple or South Temple within 200 ft. of these properties, will be asked to stop by the Salt Lake City Police Department.

In order for us to be in compliance to the rules that apply to the memorial event, no demonstration is allowed at the Conference Center, the Church Administration Building, Temple Square, and West Temple. The church has asked us, then, to begin the tribute on South Temple EAST of State Street. This will keep us in compliance with the city ordinance.

As we mentioned in earlier posts, though, we are asking that everyone stay on South Temple, and not to go into the Avenues neighborhood. Those streets are much narrower and will be more difficult to navigate with crowds. And no one will be allowed into the cemetery. The Salt Lake Cemetery will actually be completely closed down for the funeral.

Also, please be aware that the protesters will be allowed to gather along South Temple as well. And, as usual, they will be trying to engage us in confrontation. As we have previously stated, we wish this to be a reverent and quiet tribute, so please maintain the dignity of this event. It would be nice, however, if we were able to block the demonstrators from view with our waves as the procession passed.

I posted message below about taking photos of your waving wherever you are in the world, and gave instructions for posting them online. I also want to ask you to email them to me at canewavetribute@gmail.com, and I will post them here.

Finally, I wanted to let you know that the representative from Church Public Affairs offered thanks, both personally and on behalf of the church and the Hinckley Family, for organizing this tribute. He said that President Hinckley would be pleased, and the church is pleased as well. I just hope and pray that we will be able to offer such an appropriate farewell, and do it in a reverent and dignified manner.

And, again, thank you to all who have helped spread the word.