June 27^th, 1844 is a special day in Nauvoo history. It is the day Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob. Each year, a commemoration is held in their honor, one of which is held at the Smith Family Cemetery near Joseph’s home in Nauvoo.

A gentle breeze blew on this day keeping the crowd cooled even with full sun shining. The Young Performing Missionaries sang, the Nauvoo Brass Band played, Community of Christ missionaries spoke, as did Susan Easton Black Durrant…..all in tribute to the martyrs and the message the left behind.

Nauvoo Brass Band provided several musical numbers.

Gravesites of Joseph and Hyrum in the Smith Family Cemetery

Susan Easton Black Durrant gives the keynote address during the commemoration.

Estel Neff, the oldest living descendant of Joseph and Hyrum’s sister Catherine gather with friends to place flowers.

Cecel Neff, George and Susan Durrant, Sister and President McArthur, and Estel Neff at the martyrdom commemoration in Historic Nauvoo.

For a more detailed historical account of the martyrdom, watch The Martyrdom of Joseph and Hyrum Smith (Joseph Smith Papers – Episode 49).