Happy Birthday, President Monson!

Photo: Belinda Olsen Photography

Today, August 21st, President Thomas S. Monson turns 85 years old.  More than 14 million people all over the world revere President Monson as a Prophet of God, a Seer and Revelator.  He's the current President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

At 85, he is vital and active and beloved by his people - that includes me!

On Friday night there was a huge birthday celebration at the LDS Conference Center in Salt Lake City.  It featured the talents of many professional musicians and performers and included such celebrities as former San Francisco 49ers star quarterback, Steve Young.

President Monson with his wife and young family in the 1960s

President Monson saw service in the United States Navy at the close of World War II.  After the war, he  married his sweetheart, Frances.  They have been married for 64 years. They are the parents of three children, with eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

President Monson was appointed to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1963, after a distinguished career in publishing and printing. His life of service has included serving as a Bishop and as a Mission President of the Canadian mission.  In 1981, United States President Ronald Reagan appointed him to serve on the President's Task Force for Private Sector Initiatives.  He served in this capacity for a year.

If you would like to learn more about this wonderful man's life, check out this link:

http://www.mormonnewsroom.org/leader-biographies/president-thomas-s-monson

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PRESIDENT MONSON!  May you have many more!