About 90 Utah Army Reserve Soldiers, many from the 63rd Regional Readiness Command, marched in the Days of '47 Parade, July 24, in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The Days of '47 is a celebration of Brigham Young and his company of Mormon pioneers arriving at the Utah valley, July 24, 1847. Brigham Young was the second prophet of the Mormon faith and successor to Joseph Smith, who founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
Days of '47 is a Utah state holiday that involves activities such as rodeos, fireworks, concerts, and parades throughout the month of July. The scale of the celebration is comparable to the Fourth of July celebration in other states.
The Soldiers march in the Days of '47 parade every year to show solidarity with the community. The event is followed by an activity day held on the Fort Douglas parade grounds, said Master Sgt. Kerry B. Miller, the acting sergeant major of the 191st Combat Sustainment Support Brigade. Family members of the soldiers are invited to visit and eat lunch with the soldiers. There are prizes and games for the children, along with inflatable play areas.
"I think it's great for people to get to see soldiers give back to community," said Staff Sgt. Preston E. Prieto, with the 191st CSSB.
The parade started on South Temple and State Street and ended on 900 South and 600 East, stretching for 14 blocks. It included award-winning floats from throughout the valley, the Salt Lake City police department, and pioneer themed floats and horse-drawn wagons.
The Soldiers were led by a color guard and called cadence as they marched the parade route. They were followed by several military vehicles. The public response to the troops was overwhelmingly positive. They received a standing ovation throughout the entire parade from the viewers. The viewers cheered "hip hip, hooray!" as the Soldiers crossed the parade finish line.
"It's important for Soldiers to get reconition for their efforts and a parade can be the best way to do it," Miller said. "It's very good patriotism and support for the Soldiers there," said Miller.
"It hits you right in the chest that there's still people out there who don't know who you are or your name, but stand and clap for you," said Prieto.
"A thank you goes a lot farther than a pay check ever will," said Miller.
| Date Taken: | 07.24.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 11.10.2009 23:09 |
| Story ID: | 41397 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 268 |
| Downloads: | 252 |
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