The five flags that have flown over Tucson - American, Spanish, Mexican, Confederate, and the State of Arizona - were presented in a ceremony to celebrate Tucson’s 235th birthday. The Tohono O'odham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe flags were also be presented, as well as a replica of the 28-star American flag that was brought by the Mormon Battalion and flown over Tucson on December 16, 1846.
The ceremony included an invocation, signing of a proclamation by distinguished guests, the honor guard presentation, and music and dance. The flags were retired to close the ceremony.
Many wore period costumes as they sampled a piece of birthday cake, and bagels and coffee provided by the Jewish History Museum. The annual flag raising celebrating Tucson's birthday was begun by Tucson-Pima County Historical Commission in 1975. The Presidio San Agustín del Tucsón interpretive center is located on the site of Tucson’s original adobe-walled presidio.
Ted Ramirez, left, and Bobby Benton performed "La Doña del Pueblo" for, left to right, Genevieve Whalen, Patty Arida and Lolly Almquist, Doñas del Presidio de Tucsón.
One cake bears the original text of the proclamation of the Presidio Real de San Agustín del Tucsón. The other bears an English translation.
It's loud!
Mayor Walkup with Hector and Mickie Soza dressed in presidio-era costume, and another guest dressed from the era when the railroad first came to Tucson.
Presenting the flag of the Tohono O'odham Nation
Presenting the flag of the Pasqua Yaqui Nation, Chairman Peter Yucupicio
Pima County Supervisor Richard Elías
Kathleen Nabours and Jonathan Mabry of the City of Tucson Historical Commission
Cele Peterson's son Tom Peterson, formerly Director of the Arizona Historical Society, reads the proclamation of the presidio in English.
Austin Nunez, Chairman of the Tohono O'odham nation, gives a traditional blessing in the O'odham language.
Hector Soza reads the proclamation of the presidio in Spanish.
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