2022 Mustering In Day Returns With Smaller Celebration
August 19, 2022
Kyle Knox
Managing Editor
On Saturday, Sept. 10, District 7 will host the 157 Annual Mustering In Day Celebration in person. The celebration will once again honor the historic O’otham and Pee Posh men who were mustered in to service as what’s become known as “the First National Guard” of Arizona in 1865. This year’s theme for the event is “Together We Stand Strong, Honoring Our Past Warriors.”
Mustering In Day recognizes the 88 O’otham men that formed Company C led by Akimel O’otham Chief Antonio Azule and the 94 Pee Posh men that made up Company B led by Pee Posh Chief Juan Chavaria. Their service protected the Arizona Territory in the 1860s, while most of the U.S. military was focused on the Civil War at the time.
This year, District 7 is working to ensure the event will follow all Community COVID-19 guidelines for a safe celebration. This includes holding all activities outdoors and requiring masks during the event.
Although it will be in-person, this year’s program will be scaled back. But rest assured that you can expect to see traditional dancing featuring both O’otham singers and dancers and Pee Posh Bird singers and dancers. District 7 and GRIC leadership will also attend, and a reading of the history will also take place.
2019 was the last time the Mustering In Day Celebration occurred in person. COVID-19 halted the celebration in 2020 and saw a virtual return in 2021. Gila River Broadcasting Corp. prerecorded a special program recognizing the celebration that features bands, traditional dancing, and singing, addresses by GRIC leadership, and a retelling of Mustering In Day history.
The 2021 Mustering In Day Celebration segment is available on Gila River Broadcasting Corp.’s Facebook page.
This year’s Mustering Day Celebration is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 10, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the District 7 Service Center on 8035 S. 83 Avenue, Laveen, Ariz. And activities and programming are subject to possible change.
