A hilltop cluster of giant oaks at the Saunders Street entry to Fairgrounds Park is the final resting place for Juan N. Seguin, one of the most prominent figures in Texas' war for independence.
    And the entry to Walnut Springs Walk, at Center and Travis streets now contains a landmark monument dedicated to the early day history of this proud community.
    Dedications and unveiling of both the Juan N. Seguin memorial and Walnut Springs monument were conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 4, as more than 150 attendants braved bad weather to participate in the historical occasion.
    An estimated 35 of the attendants were descendants of Juan N. Seguin.
    Ernest Sauceda, great-grandson of Juan N. Seguin, expressed the pride of that family in the local city and Bicentennial project to bring long overdue honors to the early day patriot.  Other Seguin descendants, from San Antonio, Seguin and Floresville, later voiced their happiness with the occasion and its meaning.
    Historian and former State Archivist Richard Santos, although interrupted in the midst of his presentation by a sudden torrential downpour, told attendants during the ceremony that his personal investigation into the life of Juan N. Seguin proved him to have been even more important to the Texas Revolution than has been known to date.
    Santos said Seguin was not only a gallant commander of Texas troops, but later in his career became a master spy for Texas.  He further explained that his findings in the archives of Mexico and Texas would soon be announced in a book he was publishing.
    Both the Juan Seguin Memorial and Walnut Springs monument are projects of the Seguin Bicentennial Commission.
    Meanwhile, conclusion of Sunday's dedication of the Juan Seguin Memorial was a triumphant moment for local citizens including Mayor Al Koebig who worked to bring added honors to this city's namesake.
    Mayor Koebig during the midst of Sunday's ceremonies introduced descendants of Juan Seguin whom he'd invited to participate in the occasion.  The Mayor had previously played a leading role in erecting a monument at the prior Juan Seguin Grave in Mexico, and then in arranging with the government of Mexico for the return of the remains in Seguin.
    Leading local historical authorities, all of whom are active members of the Seguin Bicentennial Commission and its projects, participated in the dedications.
    Mrs. Malcolm Tigett, chairman of the Bicentennial Commission's Juan N. Seguin project, gave an up to date accounting of the improvement of Seguin's grave in Mexico and the eventual transfer of the remains to their final resting site.
    Tom Bishop, chairman of the Walnut Springs project, said later at the site of that monument that it was fitting, long overdue tribute to the pioneer discoverers and settlers of this region.  He pointed out that much effort had gone into bringing about the establishment of the monument, which should be regarded as an historical landmark for future generations of Texans.
    Mrs. Phil Jones of the Bicentennial Commission, addressed attendants to describe some of the more significant historical events of this community.  The studied and well versed Mrs. Jones also emphasized the importance of the determined early day settlers of this area in founding a sound community that survived the hardships of those times.
    The invocation and benediction, rendered by Mrs. Leonie Pape and Mrs. Pat Liberty, each called for reverence for the meaning of this area's history and faith in its future.
    All are active members of the Seguin Bicentennial Commission and along with Mrs. Wilton Woods and others worked to include only authenticated history on the monuments.
    Residing during Sunday's dedications was John C. Taylor, chairman of the Bicentennial Commission, and active in the projects.
    Sunday's program was commenced by the singing of patriotic songs by the Notable Era, a popular local area group headed by V. J. Lowrance.
    Attendants to the dedications were told Sunday was not a day of mourning, but rather a day of happiness and pride in the community's past.
    It was also explained that the Juan N. Seguin project along with the Coliseum/Arena project were the top two items outlined to the Bicentennial Commission four years ago by more than 50 representatives of local groups and organizations.  Sunday's attendants to the dedications could also see the Coliseum construction now under way at the foot of the Juan N. Seguin memorial.
    Numerous Bicentennial representatives also attended Sunday's dedications.
    Next phase of the Seguin Memorial will be to construct rock steps and walls, a concrete tile flooring and subsequent walkways at the beautiful site.  Final Phase of the project will be to erect lighting for the area.
    The Seguin Garden Club this week accepted the permanent care of Walnut Springs Walk.
Seguin Gazette, July 8, 1975