Comments about ‘Pioneer parade: Days of '47 event fills streets with fun, sense of heritage’

So what time does it start?

I look forward each year to the Pioneer Day parades and festivities, marking the arrival of the first company of pioneers into the Salt Lake valley. There are numerous U.S. flags waved. Unfortunately I never see a Mexican flag displayed. This is not right, as the Utah area was Mexican territory in 1847. Mexico was the refuge to which Brigham Young brought the Saints. Decades later, Mexico again became a Mormon refuge for polygamists. Mexico, rather than the U.S., deserves recognition on the 24th. This holiday is not a patriotic holiday, it is a holiday marking the pioneer spirit and deliverance from oppression. Although a U.S. citizen, veteran (1970-76 including Vietnam), faithful husband and father and active LDS, I love Mexico and hope that someday the LDS church openly honors Mexico.

According to Jodene Smith, co-chair for the Days of '47 Parade committee. “It brings a sense of unity and pride of our pioneer heritage," Smith said of the parade.”
Published: Friday, July 24, 2009

OK, all you folks who say that the gay pride parade is divisive and when is there going to be a white or LDS pride parade. There it is, printed in the Des. News You have a parade!

All the gays are trying to do is show unity and pride also.

I love the Days of 47 Parade, and remember way back when it was Covered Wagon Days. But what is with all this political correctness? The Parade is to celebrate the pioneers who crossed the plains and settled this land. Honor that! Why does it now have to be about all cultures?

I have been going to the parade for as long as I can remember. I was really dissapointed this year...the parade was so boring! I missed seeing the jets fly over. The fuel plane that flew over was a little creepy. Kind of brought back the 911 feeling. Better luck next year.

Scary clown!!!

I actually watched the entire parade on TV this year. Usually I last about twenty minutes and automatically turn off after the fourth temple float, the 12th Church dignitary, or the 30th handcart. This years parade didn't look like the strident Mormon May Day Parade that it normally does.

Did the Parade organizers deliberately tone down the religious rhetoric, or are they just faking inclusion, to attract an audience of non-members for future missionary work?

it is too bad that there can't be a parade without the "newsie" rehash analyzation of political correctness and what did this really mean or what did that really mean. What ulterior motive did the people have. In case you didn't know it some people just like parades. Sometimes people do things just because they want to. I am sorry that people are unable to just enjoy what is going on rather than analyzing it to death.

Too commercial and BORING! A real hot yawner to say the least.

Wonderful parade! I noticed that few if any people near us applauded Senator Bob Bennett. When his car passed, there was clarion silence. I also noticed that Senator Hatch was not present. It is time for these political pioneers to retire, perhaps.

They trek through this sterile land, full of hostile natives, seeking a place for themselves. One smooch in temple square, and they're reminded that it's not here. There are still poineers among us, we just don't recognise them.

DN: How many people watched the parade?

I thought the parade was awesome. Lots of fun floats and great marching bands.

Where are the pics of all the floats is hear about? I'm from Utah and transplanted in Kanas and I would appreciate seeing pics of the actual parade.

Not good.

I was a friend of Joe Kirkham who was the President of the Days of 47 in the 1980s. I am a Methodist. Methodist settlers came into Utah, in smaller groups than the LDS but we were here. Yesterday, I saw Joe's dream come true. Joe knew that the Methodist church always participated in the Ogden Pioneer Days Parade, but never posted a float in the Days of 47 Parade. The problem was a lot of LDS purists who saw the Days of 47 as an LDS celebration and Pioneer Days as a celebration of all the early arrivals. Joe constantly tried to convince the Methodist community to enter a float in the Days of 47 Parade. Yesterday it happened. For the first time the early Methodist pioneers were recognized in the Days of 47 Parade with a beautiful float. Rest in Peace Joe Kirkham. All the Utah Pioneers love you.

Honestly, I can't believe how ultra sensitive and insecure all these different groups are. Everyone is so concerned about inclusion. The Days of 47 is a celebration of the coming of the Mormon Pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley. That's what it is about. It's not meant as a slam at anyone. Only a celebration of the courage and faith of these people.

Re cats- WELL >>>> DUH?!?!

Perhaps it is time to move the Days of '47 Parade to Spanish Fork or some other small Mormon town away from anti-Mormon Salt Lake City where Mormons generally do not feel welcome anymore except around Temple Square.

My mother, (travelled from Australia to take in some of the LDS sights with her best friend) enjoyed the spirit of the Days of '47' Parade on Friday. I served as a missionary on Temple Square five years ago and I loved the parade and the spirit that it brought to downtown Salt Lake. I only wish Australia was much closer so I could attend every year. I thank those who are not members of the church who respect this commemoration. To those who completely oppose the celebration I understand. I am not surprized however that you want to settle in the Salt Lake valley. It is a wonderful place. I had many people approach me on Temple Square from other US States who found SLC to be different from what they expected because of the feeling they had when they were there. I believe it is because of the faith of the early members of the church and those who continue to carry on their legacy with faith and strength in these trying times. I love SLC, its people of all walks of life and especially those who carry in their hearts the pioneer spirit.