The 85th Annual Lincoln Pilgrimage continues in Redlands
By Brian Spears
Redlands News Collective
The 85th Lincoln Pilgrimage, a parade featuring youth groups, took place on Saturday, Feb. 6 from Redlands High School to the Lincoln Memorial Shrine.
The pilgrimage began at 10 a.m. at the Redlands High School football stadium, located off Citrus Avenue. Participants marched west on Citrus Avenue through downtown Redlands toward Eureka Street, proceeding south toward the Lincoln Memorial Shrine, behind the A.K. Smiley Public Library at 125 W. Vine St.
Mayor Mario Saucedo told Redlands Collective News, “It celebrates the United States, community, and the legacy of the Lincoln Shrine.”
“This event brings out the family, It Brings out the community, and shows all the benefits of scouting brings to their neighborhood. Scouting helps create are future leaders,” he said.
At the Lincoln Shrine a brief program was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. that included placing a floral arrangement in front of the Lincoln bust in the shrine.
Saucedo opened the program, followed by the invocation delivered by the Rev. Bill Dunn of Trinity Episcopal Church. Members of Scouts BSA Troop 1357 posted the colors and lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
After the program the Lincoln Memorial Shrine hosted an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event featured Civil War reenactors, live music, family activities, and cannon demonstrations. There were new exhibits and a rendition of the Gettysburg address orated by Lincoln presenter Robert Broski.
The Lincoln Pilgrimage was organized by the Gray Arrow District of the California Inland Empire Council of Scouting America, in collaboration with the city of Redlands. Redlands Noon Kiwanis has been the event’s sponsor since 1979.
This year’s participants included Cub Scout packs, Scouts BSA troops, and other youth groups, all accompanied by parents and adult leaders. Scouts from the Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council, which serves Riverside and San Bernardino counties, also participated.
