Juries helped to open the program that morning by introducing our Mistress of Ceremony. She later read
"Welcome to the Juan Seguin Burial Site in Seguin.
Juan N. Seguin is a revered figure in Texas history.
Laura joins me in sending best wishes on this special ocassion".
Sincerely,
Thank you for your coverage at the Juan N. Seguin Memorial Gathering on Oct. 24th.
My faith carried through regarding this event. Several persons who had been scheduled to be part of the
program had called to let me know that they could not be there in Seguin for one reason or another.
Mostly due to the horrid devastation caused by the rains and floods. I had for one sinking moment
thought of calling off the gathering. That thought was only a brief moment. The day was too beautiful to
waste and not show what most people of Texas are made of.
I had been informed that the coliseum had been set up as a shelter and it stuck me that the people at the
shelter could also benefit from our memorial gathering. The thought occurred to us that this event
would help to distract them if only for a short time and take their minds off the devastation they had and
were suffering.
The Greeting to The Seguin Family Historical Society thoughtfully sent by Governor George Bush.
Office of the The Governor
August 18, 1998
Greeting to:
This October 24 gathering provides a great
opportunity for family members to meet, relive old
memories and reflect on your ancestor's many
accomplishments.
As Alderman and alcalde in San Antonio, brave soldier
at the siege of the Alamo and the Battle of San Jacinto,
and respected senator in the the days of the
Texas Republic, he epitomized the freedom-loving
patriot whose service to his fellow Texans gave birth
to our state. I commend you for honoring his life today
and keeping his memory alive. Families like yours, full
of respect for their pioneer ancestors and heritage,
are at the heart of the Texas spirit.
George W. Bush
His Honor the Mayor of the City of Seguin
I must say that Mayor (Mark) Stautzenberger is a fine gentlemen and trooper. He could have easily informed us that he could not be in attendance, but instead informed us that he might be late, but would be there at the gathering. The Mayor had not slept in several days due to the devastation and the work created by the torrential rains and floods. As everyone knows being Mayor is not only about making speeches but in taking the responsibility for his city; knowing that what ever happens in and to his city must come first and foremost. Mayor Stautzenberger is not only a gentleman but also a true leader of men.
City of Seguin Councilman Flores
Councilman Sam Flores is an enigma, an icon, a man of direction, determination, a man who has a
natural sense of fair play. Councilman Flores is a Champion of Col. Juan N. Seguin of whose own
personal way of life reminds me of the Sam Flores, a man who loves Texas. Not living in Seguin is
a disadvantage for me but, it can also be very revealing.
I have been informed by many persons
from different camps of how highly the Councilman is thought of, respected and appreciated.
Albert Seguin Gonzales and Congressman Rodriguez
Speaking of troopers, U. S. Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, what a Statesman. From the very moment we meet on July the 4th, in Seguin and he knew what the goals were of The Seguin Family Historical Society, he graciously offered to help. Well, not being one to let grass grow under ones foot and being somewhat blunt, I called the Congressman's office and spoke with one of his aides, Carmen, what a nice and helpful person. I identified myself and cut right to the chase. We wanted him to be the Keynote Speaker for the Memorial Service the following October. The very next day we received a tentative yes. If you have had the privilege to meet the Congressman, then you know he was well prepared and had done his homework on the life of Col. Juan N. Seguin and his and his families' service to Texas. I understand that he was assessing the flood damages within two hours of the devastation and that he had made more than one trip to the area to help. He is also a Dad and he brought his lovely young daughter to visit with us.
The President General of The Sons of the Republic of Texas, Scott Dunbar, presented a commemorative medal that will be placed at the gravesite. I had the pleasure of meeting Scott through Uncle Gilbert "Gilly" Carvajal, KSJ. It was because of Uncle Gilly that I became interested in the SRT. (not to be confused with the radical group of late that had received so much media attention).
The SRT group, The Black Powder Brigade, fired Rolling Thunder several times to salute and honor Colonel Juan Nepomuceno Seguin.
Chapter members of the San Jacinto chapter & Prince Carl of Solms-Braunfels serve at the Memorial Gathering.
The BPB group drove in from Houston to take part in this event. Dick Resse, Leonard Cloud, Sam Clark, and Tom Houston,
created alot of interest and caught everyones attention with firing of Rolling Thunder. .
Firing a musket was Kevin Dunbar a very fine young man and Editor of The Texian - The Official Publication of The Sons
of the Republic of Texas.
Talk about a special effort, to be there in Seguin, from Houston at such an early hour, they truly deserve
our Thanks and the many applause they all received.
Capt. Mary Martinez of the Texas State Guard, Commander of, A company, 4th Battalion, 1st Brigade of San Marcos Texas explained the
importance of "The Juan N. Seguin Award of Valor".
This prestigious award is presented to qualified and deserving Guard member(s) who have placed their own life in peril to save someone else's life.
Capt. Martinez was very eloquent and informative. She explained the inception of the award and how she and Sgt. Rudolfo Salazar co-authored
the award.
The family was very surprised and honored when she presented the original to the family at the event.
Under the direction of SGM Benito V. Guerrero, the association honored the Colonel with a 21 gun salute.
That was a first, as far as we know for the Colonel. It was truly an impressive sight.
The men were all so very professional and sharp looking in their uniforms. These men are retired military, and like Colonel Juan N. Seguin
himself have served their country with pride, dignity and honor.
The Seguin High School ROTC were equally impressive in their Presentation of Colors. They exemplify the youth of today who are goal oriented, achievers and the leaders of tomorrow. It takes special effort to participate in special events. These young people know that investing today in their future will pay great dividends in the form of knowledge, pride in oneself, pride in their country and greater understand of what it means to be an American and proud Texan.
Mr. Brian Underwood of Underwood Horse Farms had agreed to portray "The Spirit of Juan Seguin". He was to dress in a white shirt and
dark pants and ride a horse and remain at a distance from the event site. At the pre arranged signal, he was to have his horse rear up and
Mr. Underwood was to wave and shout out "Welcome my Family and Friends", and then wave again and ride off into the distance.
Mr. Underwood did show up but was unable to participate. He apologized and explained that his trailers were under 5 feet of mud which
had been washed in by the torrential floods.
By Mr. Underwood and his lovely wife showing up to explain, which was not necessary, was
one of the factors that gave me strength to face the problems experienced that morning.
The San Antonio Pipes & Drum was represented by a father and son team bagpipers. It was such a touching moment listening to them play Amazing Grace at the grave site of the True Native Born Texas Hero, Colonel Juan Nepomuceno Seguin of The Republic of Texas Army.
