Grateful for Those Who Stood

“An honor…”, “…best reason to be on the Courthouse steps at 2:00 a.m.”, “We should have ten people an hour instead of two…”, “So good to do something instead of just talk… action speaks louder than words” : just a few of the comments made by those standing watch during the 24-hour vigil on the Bandera County Courthouse steps. Peace Officers Memorial Day falls on May 15 each year to pay tribute to the brave local, state and federal peace officers who have died or been disabled I the line of duty.

Bandera American Legion Post 157 thanks every volunteer participant who honored and remembered our peace officers during the 24-hour vigil held from 6:00 a.m. Sunday, May 14 through 6:00 a.m. Monday, May 15. Some stood watch alone for an hour, others stood as a family, veterans stood alone and stayed for the next hour with a new comrade, and the Bandera City Marshall brought family and friends. Local clergy and the Bexar County Police Explorers also stood next to that small table with the candle, red rose and a Bible.

As we go about our daily business, seldom do we consciously worry about our safety. We assume that when we need them, law enforcement personnel will be there. We are grateful for those who honored and remembered on Peace Officers Memorial Day: we applaud those who also demonstrate their support of those in law enforcement uniforms every day. With gratitude, Susan Junker Commander, Bandera American Legion Post 157