One of the first events of the Centennial Year in Utah was the Centennial Parade on
January 4. The parade was to be a replica of the 1896 parade, as much as possible.
Consequently, there were many horse-and-carriage entries (with "dignitaries"
aboard), a brass band, a tame bear (True! In this case two grizzly cubs), some military
units (National Guard), the free masons, the Jewish merchants, and THE MORMON BATTALION!
Lt. Jameson and his wife, Collene, Company "A', are members of the Parade Commission
and saw that we were invited. Under the dynamic leadership of Col. Madsen and our
quartermaster, Maj. Russ Madsen, blue shirrs were purchased and shoulder logos
silk-screened on; the Commission furnished kepis and neckerchiefs; and active recruitment
brought in more than 50 volunteers. It was a rare sight on the two Saturdays before the
parade to see these "recruits" learn to line up, dress right, and march in step.
Under Capt. Teeples, Company "A', who is a veteran, these great young men practiced
marching (in a snowstorm, one Saturday until they were the outstanding marching unit in
the Centennial Parade! They drew the loudest applause, stayed in step with straight lines,
and like veterans, braved the cold wind and sleet that hit them the last half of the
parade route. The Battalion were followed in the parade by three spans of horses pulling a
wagon filled with Battalion men and women who could nor march, and the wagon was followed
by women and children in pioneer costume. We were one of the longest entries in the
parade, and one of the most historically authentic. We were thrilled by the representation
too: Kane Company from Kanab, Company "D" from Logan, Company "A' and
"B' from Salt Lake and Sandy, the Drum Corp from Brighton High School, and Ladies
Auxiliary women from all of these. The result has been most gratifying. Besides the
applause and praise, we have applications for membership from several who marched, plus
from those who watched--and some are from other communities, which opens the possibility
of starring new units! In retrospect, one realizes that Col. Madsen has both dedication
and vision as he leads this noble organization onward.