SALT LAKE CITY-Thursday, Utah Gov. Spencer J. Cox declared Friday July 23 as President M. Russell Ballard Day in Utah.

This announcement was made during a press event at the Utah State Capitol at Salt Lake City.

President Ballard, the president of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is 92 and will turn 93 this upcoming October.

Cox revealed this honor comes to Pres. Ballard, because of his “committment to community, history, bridge-building and interfaith solidarity.”

Others speaking at the Thursday event included community advocate Pamela Atkinson, chair and executive director of This Is The Place Heritage Park Ellis Ivory, Days of ’47 Rodeo chairman Kem Gardner, Zions Bank president Scott Atkinson and Utah Rep. Representative Melissa Garff Ballard, Pres. Ballard’s daughter-in-law.

Pres. Ballard expressed his appreciation for the pioneers in subsequent remarks.