Parades Mark Anniversary of Pioneers’ Arrival

On July 24, amid the parade pageantry and athletic competition that marked the anniversary of the Mormon pioneers’ arrival in Utah in 1847, Elder John K. Carmack of the Seventy reminded Church members what the celebration was all about.

It is in remembrance, Elder Carmack recalled, of the pioneers’ “exodus to greatness” when, having been driven from Nauvoo, Illinois, they crossed the Great Plains to a haven in a western desert valley.

Elder Carmack, President of the Utah Central Area and Executive Director of the Church Historical Department, spoke at the annual Days of ’47 sunrise service in the Tabernacle on Temple Square. He spoke of Brigham Young’s “Moses-like” service to the Saints, of the “miracle, too, that a permanent settlement survived in the mountains.

“You know the story,” he said, “but we should never tire of telling it.”

Many celebrated by watching or participating in the Days of ’47 parade in Salt Lake City, an annual event held to commemorate the pioneers’ arrival. Floats and other entries emphasized western pioneer themes. Also honored was the place of native Americans and Spanish explorers in the state’s history. A number of entries honored U.S. military personnel who had served in the Persian Gulf and in other wars.

A youth parade was also held on Saturday, July 20.

Events of July 24 also included an annual marathon and 10K races sponsored by the Deseret News and KSL Radio, and fireworks at various locations in the city.

Members of the Mormon Battalion commemorative organization march in July 24 parade. (Photo by Don Searle.)