45 years ago today - Sep 23, 1966

[General] First Presidency letter, "effective immediately," ending "missionary farewells" in LDS meetings. Letter asks local officers "that you counsel families against holding receptions for departing missionaries." Without single reference to war, this letter responds to disparity of holding joyous farewells for young missionaries, while also conducting funerals for young men who are drafted to serve in Vietnam without opportunity to serve mission. LDS missionaries at this time are granted draft deferments for full-time religious ministers.

[Source: On This Day in Mormon History, http://onthisdayinmormonhistory.blogspot.com]