“Golden Days” Event to Celebrate President Monson’s 85th Birthday.

Date: August 17, 2012

“Golden Days: A Celebration of Life” will take a nostalgic look back at President Monson’s illustrious life and decades of service.

On Friday, August 17, 2012, at 8:00 p.m., thousands of people will gather in the Conference Center to participate in “Golden Days: A Celebration of Life,” honoring the upcoming 85th birthday of President Thomas S. Monson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square, and notable guest artists (who will be announced at a later date) will perform beloved Broadway selections and other favorites.

“We are very pleased that talented solo artists will be joining the choir to honor this great man,” choir president Mac Christensen said. “I happen to know the songs being performed will delight President Monson.”

Former San Francisco 49ers star quarterback and professional football Hall-of-Famer Steve Young will share master of ceremony duties with national network news anchor and author Jane Clayson Johnson.

“President Monson has served other people all of his life. I know that he’s more comfortable in that role than having any accolades focused on him,” Brother Young said. “This celebration is a great way to let him know how much he is loved and appreciated. It’s a privilege to play a small part in that recognition.”

“So many around the world have been influenced by President Monson’s warmth, compassion, and genuine love of people,” said Sister Johnson. “We celebrate and honor his extraordinary life of service and leadership.”

The evening will also take a nostalgic look back at President Monson’s illustrious life—from his childhood, marriage, and stint in the Navy during World War II to his decades of service. President Monson was called as the bishop of a congregation at age 22 and has served for nearly a half century as a General Authority of the Church.

Free tickets are required to attend the celebration. Because of high demand for tickets, they will be distributed through a random selection process. Those interested may register at www.lds.org/events or by phone (801-570-0080 local or 1-866-537-8457 toll free) beginning on Saturday, June 16, at 12:01 a.m. and ending on Monday, June 25, at 11:59 p.m. mountain daylight time.

Those selected will be notified by e-mail on Thursday, July 5, 2012.

Not all registrations will be selected to receive tickets, and only one registration per household can be accepted. The maximum number of tickets that a household may request is four. Tickets will be mailed to those selected shortly after the registration process closes. Persons not selected to receive tickets will be notified by e-mail.

Standby tickets for those without tickets will not be issued. However, patrons are invited to stand by for last-minute seating. The standby line will form at the north gate on Temple Square prior to the event.

The program will also be shown at various LDS stake centers over the Church satellite system on Saturday, August 18, with subsequent rebroadcasts to many areas of the world.

In addition, the performance will be rebroadcast in its entirety on BYUtv on Saturday, August 18, at 7:00 p.m.; Sunday, August 19, at 10:00 a.m.; and Monday, August 20, at 3:00 a.m. mountain daylight time.

BYUtv International will broadcast the performance in Spanish and Portuguese on Saturday, August 18, at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 19, at 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. mountain daylight time.

KBYU Eleven will air the program on Sunday morning, August 19, at 7:00 a.m. mountain daylight time.

The Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Orchestra at Temple Square, and notable guest artists will perform beloved Broadway selections and other favorites.