The Pilgrimage to the Alamo
- The Pilgrimage to the Alamo began in 1918 as a replacement for the Battle of Flowers Parade which did not occur that year due to the United States’ involvement in World War I. In place of the military, which was not available to participate in the Battle of Flowers Parade, Boy Scouts led the procession to the Alamo.
- The Pilgrimage to the Alamo is a solemn and silent procession for 6 blocks from the Vietnam War Memorial to the Alamo, in which all participants in The Pilgrimage walk as members of the groups represented, carrying floral tributes to be placed on the Alamo green, before taking a set in Alamo Plaza.
- The program in Alamo Plaza honors those who died defending the Alamo on March 6, 1836, which made it possible for Texans to be victorious at San Jacinto and win for Texas its independence as a Republic which endured nearly 10 years.
- Participants in The Pilgrimage to the Alamo represent approximately 75 different organizations, or groups in the San Antonio area, and include the San Antonio Command of the six branches of the US Military, the San Antonio Mayor and members of City Council, the Bexar County Judge and members of the Commissioners Court, the Bexar County Clerk, the Bexar Historical Commission, the Texas General Land Office, the Alamo Trust, the Alamo Mission Chapter DRT, and other chapters of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, members of the Sons of the Republic of Texas, the San Antonio FIESTA Commission, King Antonio and the Texas Cavaliers, Rey Feo and his Court, Miss FIESTA and other FIESTA royalty, the Battle of Flowers Association, the Order of the Alamo, The Greater Chamber, the Military FIESTA Ambassadors, various lineage societies, various historical organizations, other FIESTA PMOs, other invited groups.
- The keynote speaker represents the Command of Joint Base San Antonio, alternating years between the Army and the Air Force. For 2024, it will be the Air Force. Words of greeting will also come from the President of the FIESTA Commission, the President of the Alamo Mission Chapter DRT, and other dignitaries
- The 6 block procession from Vietnam Memorial to the seating be lead by a riderless horse from Fort Sam Houston.
