President Thomas S. Monson observed his 79th birthday Aug. 21.
First counselor in the First Presidency, President Monson spent a good portion of the day in his office. Also, he joined President Gordon B. Hinckley and President James E. Faust, second counselor in the First Presidency, in speaking at the funeral of Elisa Young Rogers Wirthlin, wife of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin of the Quorum of the Twelve. (A report on Sister Wirthlin's funeral is on page 3.)
On the evening of his birthday, President Monson joined his wife, Frances, and their children and grandchildren for a party in the backyard of their home.
President Monson was set apart as first counselor to President Hinckley on March 12, 1995. He also was set apart as president of the Quorum of the Twelve on that date.
Previously, on June 5, 1994, he was set apart as second counselor to President Howard W. Hunter, and, on Nov. 10, 1985, as second counselor to President Ezra Taft Benson.
President Monson was sustained to the Quorum of the Twelve on Oct. 4, 1963, and ordained an apostle on Oct. 10, 1963, at age 36.
Before being called as a General Authority, he was general manager of Deseret Press. He began employment with the Deseret News in 1948 as an advertising executive and was later chairman of the board for the Deseret News for 19 years.
President Monson also served in the U.S. Navy near the close of World War II, was ordained a bishop at age 22 in Salt Lake City and was called as president of the Canadian Mission in 1959.
He has served for 37 years as a member of the National Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America. He has been awarded the Silver Beaver, Silver Buffalo and Bronze Wolf, prestigious awards for service locally, nationally and internationally.