On 29 January 1847, the Mormon Battalion was allowed to walk through the little
settlement of San Diego on their way to the Mission de Alcala, five miles up the San Diego
River. They were so ragged and destitute of clothing that the officers had gone into town
the day before and advised the citizens to close their windows before the men walked past.
It was the end of a 2,000 mile ordeal, but the men still had their dignity. Now, 150 years
later, the Mormon Battalion will march again; this time from the Mission to Old Town San
Diego. But this time we will be in better uniforms--and better health! On 18th of January,
a celebration will be held in Old Town State Park commemorating the arrival of the
Battalion. A contingent from Utah will participate, including our Commander and others of
the National Staff. The program consists of the march into Old Town, a presentation there
(including an address by Pres. Monson), and will feature the Marine Corp Band and various
civic leaders. The Sesquicentennial will be extended by another celebration in Carlsbad at
the Mission de San Luis Rey, January 25, where a monument will be dedicated, honoring the
Battalion. A report of these events will be in the next issue of The Valiant.