As storm clouds gathered on the evening of May 1, Bandera residents still came out to observe the National Day of Prayer on the courthouse lawn. The event, now in its fourth year locally, was hosted by American Legion Post 157 and led by Vice Commander Rick Olivarez, a retired U.S. Army chief warrant officer.
Established by a 1952 law signed by President Harry S. Truman, the National Day of Prayer is observed across the country through local events that unite people of faith in prayer for their communities and nation.
Bandera’s event was inspired by Chaplain Mark Caronna, a 28-year veteran of the Houston Police Department. Since retiring to Bandera with his wife, Teresa, a schoolteacher, Caronna has authored three books and hosts the internet radio show Ask the Chaplain on the Artists 1st network.
Following the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Caronna reached out to religious leaders in the county, including his neighbor Chris Dion, an elder at White Rock Christian Fellowship and chaplain for Post 157. The success of that first gathering prompted the Legion, under the leadership of Commander Susan Junker, a retired U.S. Army colonel, to formally take over planning the event each year.
This year’s program opened with David Kuntzi blowing a Jewish shofar. The colors were posted by Jag Smith of Trail Life Troop TX-9112 and Alice McDowell of American Heritage Girls Troop TX-4567. Jennifer D’Spain of Acclaim Talent performed the national anthem and later sang “God Bless America.”
Trailman Chaplain John Dion offered the invocation by reciting prayers from George Washington, Sam Houston, and Chester Nimitz. Prayers were then offered by Kuntzi of White Rock Christian Fellowship; Pastor James Taylor of Bandera Methodist Church; Chaplain Caronna; Pastor David Ruark of Christ Chapel Bandera; Pastor Jeremy Levi of Riding the River Cowboy Fellowship; and Pastor Daryl Cheswick of Sonrise Christian Fellowship.
Music was provided by the Riding the River Cowboy Fellowship Praise Team and singer-songwriter Dave Kemp of Operation Song.
As the sky darkened but the rain held off, attendees quickly helped pack up chairs, flags, and sound equipment. Organizers described the evening as a success and encouraged local churches to consider joining next year’s celebration.
For more information about participating in the 2025 National Day of Prayer event, contact American Legion Post 157 at (830) 796-7528, email [email protected], or visit 205 12th St. near the historic Bandera Jail and Courthouse.
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