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Excerpts from Francis C. Waid's Third Souvenir Submitted by David M. Waid |
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JULY 4, 1891.
"Flag of the heroes who left us their glory, Borne through our battlefield's thunder and flame, Blazoned in song and illumined in story, Wave on us all who inherit their fame! Up with our banner bright, Sprinkled with starry light, Spread its fair emblems from mountain to shore; While through the sounding sky, Loud rings the nation's cry,-- Union and Liberty!--One evermore!" INDEPENDENCE DAY. The pleasant little city of Meadville, with a population of over 11,000, was in her best holiday attire, and her numerous guests well provided for, many of whom had come from a far distance. The day was to be celebrated, as I have already intimated, by the dedication of the Soldiers' Monument in Diamond Park. I had the honor of being appointed one of the vice-presidents, and was presented with a badge bearing the words, Vice-President Dedication of Soldiers' Monument at Meadville, July 4, 1891. This entitled me to a seat on the platform, from which an excellent view of all the proceedings was had. The medal struck for the occasion was very neat, and bore on one side a drawing of the Soldiers' Monument (showing the inscription thereon, Crawford County's Tribube to her loyal sons), and on the other side the words, In Memory of the men of Crawford County, Pennsylvania, who served in the Union Army during the Rebellion, 1861-1865. There were present to take part in the ceremonies several Posts of the G. A. R. from various points, with their several commanders, and they made quite a formidable and imposing appearance in the procession which started from Park Avenue at 11:30 A. M. for Diamond Park. The details of the day's proceedings are too lengthy to give much of here, but I can not omit referring to the excellent address of Judge J. J. Henderson, of Crawford County, and the presentation speech of Dr. T. L. Flood, both of which were masterpieces of patriotic eloquence; and the accepting of the Monument on behalf of the city, by Col. S. B. Dick. The day could not be finer, and that part of the proceedings consisting of games, concerts, illuminations, bicycle parade, etc., was carried out in grand style; in addition to which there was on exhibition a marvel of mechanical ingenuity, in the shape of an "Automatic City," which took the German inventor of the same seventeen long years of patient labor in the constructing thereof. Every day in the year has its end, its close, as did this memorable one, July 4, INDEPENDENCE DAY, the most noted in the annals of the United States of America. And who is there among us who would not sing with heart and voice--MY COUNTRY, 'TIS OF THEE? Our free country and an open Bible, with the Gospel preached to all! And so may it ever be, as long as the sun and moon endure! "My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died! Land of the Pilgrims' pride! From every mountain side Let freedom ring! "My native country, thee-- Land of the noble, free-- Thy name I love; I love thy rocks and rills, Thy woods and templed hills; My heart with rapture thrills Like that above. Our fathers' God! to Thee, Author of liberty, To Thee we sing: Long may our land be bright With freedora's holy light; Protect us by Thy might, Great God, our King!" But as I looked on the many joy-inviting events of the day, as they followed in quick succession, a cloud would from time to time intervene to darken my thoughts. For this great National holiday, this anniversary of the birth of our loved Republic, is also the anniversary of the death of my well-beloved wife, Eliza, an event never to be forgotten by me. I have written much on this subject, because it stands out in such prominent relief on the pages of my life history; and they who have been similarly bereaved know what it is, and can appreciate the value of sympathy. The evening of life has come to me, and the shadows are growing longer, while I am calmly waiting, waiting. ONLY WAITING.
"Only waiting till the shadows Are a little longer grown; Only waiting till the glimmer Of the day's last beam is flown. "Then from out the gathered darkness Holy, deathless stars shall rise, By whose light my soul shall gladly Tread its pathway to the skies." In this faith I live on, and, best of all, God comforts me. My pathway in life is ofttimes dreary and sad, but I trust in the Lord. His right hand is ever near, though my sight may be dim, but I never doubt His lovingness, and I leave my way with Him. |
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