Annual Mustering In Day Celebration To Air online September 4th

Emma Hughes

Gila River Indian News

This year’s Mustering In Day celebration, which annually honors O’otham and Pee Posh soldiers who volunteered for U.S military service, will be held virtually on Saturday, September 4 from 12 noon to 3 p.m. 

This year’s online ceremony will celebrate the 156th anniversary of the original historic event in 1865, when 94 Pee Posh and 88 O’otham tribe members were mustered in to the United States Army to help keep in peace and stability in the region during the American Civil War. Akimel O’otham Chief Antonio Azule led the volunteers of Company C. Pee Posh Chief Juan Chavaria lead Company B’s volunteer soldiers. 

In the past, Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis has hailed the actions of both Akimel O’otham and Pee-Posh volunteers. who formed a military alliance with the U.S. Army to protect the people over a hundred sixty-five years ago. 

Beyond honoring what has become known as “The First National Guard,”Mustering In Day has since expanded to honor the service of all Community servicemen and women.

This year’s celebration will also include a 5k virtual walk/run, to be hosted by the Wellness Center between Aug. 29 and Sept. 5. 

Gov. Stephen Roe Lewis will provide opening remarks for the broadcast ceremony. Lt. Gov. Monica Antone will share the history of the Mustering In event, to be followed by guest speakers, traditional dances and musical entertainment. 

District 7 initially planned for the full event, which is typically held at the District 7 Multipurpose Building. But with the concerning rise in COVID-19 cases in and around the Community, the celebration was shifted to be entirely online.

The virtual celebration will air Sept. 4. beginning at 12:00 P.M on Gila River Broadcasting Corp. channels 19 & 29 for those who reside in the Community. Online viewers can visit GRBC’s Facebook page to watch the program.