Old Town San Diego’s historic Mormon Battalion site will pay tribute to four distinguished Vietnam veterans by inducting them as honorary members of the renowned Mormon Battalion. The event, scheduled for Saturday, June 10, 2023, as part of the Mormon Battalion’s Flag Day Celebration, aims to recognize the faith, service, and sacrifices made by these veterans in the defense of liberty. The ceremony will feature the Marine Band San Diego, and the public is invited to attend this free event, which will include cake and ice cream.
Honoring Courageous Veterans:
The Mormon Battalion Historic Site, representing San Diego’s first United States military unit garrisoned in the city, will bestow the honorary membership upon four esteemed Vietnam veterans. This year’s honorees are SFC Mariano Amezcua, Jr., US Army, Ret.; MCPO Engracio “Art” Aragon, USN, Ret.; SPC4 Lloyd Trimble, US Army; and Sgt. Maj. Anthony Marengo, USMC, Ret. Each of these individuals will be recognized for their unwavering dedication and commitment to their country.
The Legacy of the Mormon Battalion:
The Mormon Battalion, originally formed in 1846, consisted of members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints who sought refuge from religious persecution and mob violence. Having been forced to leave Nauvoo, Illinois, the group of approximately 20,000 saints settled in tent and wagon camps across the Iowa Territory. It was during this time that they received a call to enlist 500 men in the Army to fight in the Mexican-American War.
Despite their recent expulsion and challenging circumstances, five hundred individuals responded to the call. These men, referred to as “Mormons” by their adversaries, were no longer recognized as citizens of the United States. Consequently, Captain James Allen, the enlisting army dragoon officer, named his newly formed volunteer infantry the “Mormon Battalion.”
The Mormon Battalion’s journey was marked by incredible faith and sacrifice as they marched over 2,000 miles, constructing wagon roads from Kansas to San Diego. Although they arrived in San Diego after the war had ended, their presence secured peace in the region. Moreover, their service to San Diego played a significant role in fostering a sense of unity within the diverse community. The Mormon Battalion’s contributions to the nation are immeasurable.
A Commemoration of Service:
In an effort to honor the enduring faith, service, and sacrifice demonstrated by those who have defended liberty, the Mormon Battalion Historic Site has chosen to recognize selected Vietnam veterans. This special tribute coincides with the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War and seeks to ensure that these veterans are never forgotten.
Event Details:
The induction ceremony will take place on the back lawn of the Mormon Battalion Historic Site, located at 2510 Juan Street in Old Town San Diego, California. The event will commence at 5:00 PM on Saturday, June 10, 2023, and will be accompanied by the Marine Band San Diego. Members of the public are warmly invited to attend this free celebration, where cake and ice cream will be served.
Old Town San Diego’s Mormon Battalion Historic Site is set to honor four deserving Vietnam veterans by bestowing upon them the prestigious title of honorary members of the Mormon Battalion. As part of the commemorative Flag Day Celebration, this event pays tribute to the faith, service, and sacrifice displayed by these individuals in their defense of liberty. The ceremony provides an opportunity for the community to come together and express gratitude to those who have devoted their lives to safeguarding our nation.
Hours – Saturday, June 10, 2023, 5pm
Address – 2510 Juan St, San Diego, CA 92110
Contact – (619) 298-3317
Website – www.churchofjesuschrist.org/learn/historic-sites/california/mormon-battalion-historic-site?lang=eng
