By: Steve Trubilla
On Saturday at 12 o'clock, Nov. 15, 2014, our today was to the future cast.
A major effort to protect the history of the people of Franklin County culminated. The time capsule was interred.
The event program was titled a Sealing Ceremony; it was so much more. A celebration of what is possible when like-minded good people focus on meaningful effort.
It is a good news story that chronicles hundreds of volunteered hours, the collection of thousands of dollars, travel of hundreds of miles across the county, the giving of things by so many, and attention to detail executed with perfection.
Yes, the best of our community was on display at the historical Oakwood Cemetery in Louisburg on a cold, but sunny Saturday in the middle of November 2014.
It would not have happened but for the selfless dedication to the preservation of history by key members of the Heritage Society of Franklin County, NC.
It is appropriate appreciation be publicly expressed to them. The words thank you, are insufficient in measure to do this.
I offer these words as a more hearty expression of sentiment for their acts.
"To all who shall see these presents, greeting, let it now, and forever be recognized the below listed citizens of Franklin County, North Carolina have demonstrated extraordinary fidelity and commitment to the citizenry of Franklin County, North Carolina.
By their selfless acts to preserve the rich and honored legacy of heritage for future generations they caused to occur the internment of a time capsule, to be opened 100 years hence the date of Nov. 15, 2014. By so doing have brought credit upon themselves, earning the special recognition embodied herein."
With these accomplishments many of the doer's of things are in the background. It is not always possible to know who they are.
They expressly desire to serve with anonymity. They too deserve this special recognition.
The following is a list of names of those I have learned that were responsible for this project:
Patricia Crosby Leonard, Diane Taylor Torrent, Annette Goyette, Elsie Carter, Joyce Duke, Janie Ray Mitchell, Jean Asycue, and Joanne Carpenter
The program included significant activity. Some of the highlights included a reading by the youngest member of the Heritage Society, 8-year-old Aubrey Nicole Taylor, an inspiring rendition of the "Star Spangled Banner" by Nicole Craig, a most moving oration by the Honorable Judge Robert H. Hobgood, a reciting of the "Pledge of Allegiance by the Franklin County Girl Scouts, and the presentation of a key to the city by the Mayor of Louisburg, Karl T. Pernell.
Musical accompaniment was provided by Organist Brian D. Miller, and North Carolina Professional Bagpiper Robert J. White.
Supporters of the event included Thomas J. Clancy - the staff of the Strickland Funeral Home, and Walgreens, both of Louisburg.
The Heritage Society of Franklin County serves as gatekeeper of our history.
As technology advances recorded history is fading. The days of the family album has been overtaken by digital pictures. Too often the intent of printing them is forgotten.
Today turns into tomorrow, and before it is realized grandchildren have become parents. Where has the time gone, a question the youth will one day ask, their lives filled with memories past.
Now is the time to capture the precious moments, and to tell your family's story to your children. Such things are the tapestry of their heritage.
The Heritage Society of Franklin County is a non-profit organization receiving no public funding, relying totally on donations; mostly unselfishly given by its members. From time to time you will see them doing fund raisers. Please offer them your support.
If you would like to make a direct contribution, or join, contact Patricia Crosby Leonard, at (919) 853-3293; email g-p-leonard@msn.com, or Diane Taylor Torrent, at (919) 497-2166.
To inquire by mail, send to: Heritage Society of Franklin County, PO Box 45, Louisburg, NC 27549
Meetings are held at 1 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at Johnny Bulls restaurant, 32 Golden Leaf Drive, Louisburg, NC 27549
Thank you Heritage Society of Franklin County for all you have done and continue to do.
I find myself thinking, how things might be, if only we could have these kinds of people elected to public office.