SAN DIEGO, Calif. — The contributions of the Mormon Battalion to San Diego were again celebrated during the fourth annual Mormon Battalion Parade and Community Event held here Saturday, Jan. 27.
Marking the 160th year since members of the battalion were mustered out of the U.S. Army in San Diego, 13 stakes in the San Diego area participated in the multi-stake public affairs council project.
The parade featured a re-enactment of the Battalion's march, with hundreds of men dressed in period attire. Following immediately behind the "soldiers" were nearly 100 men, women and children — descendants of the original battalion members.
The grassy plaza at San Diego's Old Town State Park was transformed into a historical village filled with interactive booths and displays.
The commemoration's guest speaker was Dennis Holland who serves as the director of public affairs for Church Historic Sites in California. His remarks focused on the virtues exemplified by the members of the Mormon Battalion.