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SALT LAKE CITY — Parades and fireworks are a staple of Pioneer Day in Utah. This year the floats, antique vehicles, and horses at the Days of '47 Parade will be accompanied by some veteran guests. “Utah’s Honor Platoon” will return to the Salt Lake City parade exactly 50 years after their first appearance.
In 1966, 79 young men from across Utah marched in the parade, hours before being sworn in as new members of the United States Marine Corps. The group headed out to Camp Pendleton in California that same night. At camp, the 1071 Platoon earned every military group honor possible, so the “honor platoon” nickname was born.
Members of the 1071 Platoon ranged in age from 17 to 23 years old. All of the members volunteered for service and many served in Vietnam.
Steve Terry, a member of the 1071 Platoon and third Marine Aircraft Wing, is one of the men in charge of keeping all the guys from the group connected.
“About every five years, we do a reunion," Terry said. "You remember them from when we first joined and spent a lot of time together that first year.”
Terry shared some memories from his time with his 1071 brothers.
“I clearly remember marching down the Pioneer Day parade," he said. "We felt a sense of patriotism to the point that we signed up and made that sacrifice. We’re all looking forward to seeing each other.”
Terry also recalled how successful his platoon was during their service.
“The platoon set some records at the boot camp that are still records. The 1071 flag is still in display cases in San Diego.”
The idea to bring the platoon back for a 50-year anniversary was discussed during dinner between Greg James, Executive Vice President of the Days of '47 and former KSL TV anchorman Dick Nourse. Nourse covered their story originally and thought it would tie in perfectly with the "pioneers inspiring today’s generation" theme for the parade.
“With Dick’s help and some other people, we rounded these guys up," James said. "Their drill instructor is coming from Georgia. We have rounded up about 23 of them. Some have to travel a long distance, and others still live in Utah. A family member will also be there representing her brother who was killed in Vietnam."
The Days of '47 Parade will take place on July 25 at 9 a.m. The parade is one of the oldest in the United States.
“The first parade dates back to almost since the founding of the state," James said. "It only didn’t happen one or two years during the second World War. There are dignitaries and officials at the parade each year."
Carlos is a student at Utah Valley University and currently works as a news writing intern for KSL.com. You can follow him on Twitter at @Car1osBaquerizo or email him at carlosbaquerizo@ymail.com.
