Before sunrise on Saturday, May 10, a solemn tribute to fallen law enforcement appeared quietly on the Bandera County Courthouse lawn.
The 24-hour vigil centered on a simple but poignant memorial. At its heart sat an empty chair, known in law enforcement circles as the “Honor Chair,” representing the one an officer occupies for their daily briefing—a symbol of duty accepted.
Beside it stood a small round table draped in white to signify the purity and eternal nature of their service.
An open Bible, turned to John 15:13— No greater love hath any man than he lay down his life for his friends —rested on the table, accompanied by a burning candle representing the fallen officer’s guiding light.
A single red rose lay in front, symbolizing both love given and love lost. To the other side of the chair sat an empty kennel, leash, collar, bowl, and water dish in memory of K-9 officers—companions who served and sacrificed alongside their human partners.
The memorial was installed at 5 a.m., its timing a tribute to the five-pointed star worn by law enforcement officers.
It was respectfully removed 24 hours later, again at 5 a.m., a nod to the Lone Star of Texas under which they serve.
The vigil remained quiet throughout, save for a brief ceremony at 5 p.m. in which the American flag was retired to the sound of “Amazing Grace” played on bagpipes—a reminder of the 50 stars that unite the nation they swore to protect.
Throughout the day, members of the community stood watch over the memorial, volunteering in one-hour shifts.
Their presence served as a message to the fallen that they are not forgotten, and to the living that their service is honored and appreciated. Those who participated included a 28-year veteran of the Houston Police Department, a former Bandera marshal, the current Bandera marshal, and the newly elected sheriff.
Also in attendance were members of the Blue Knights LEMC, Reguladores LEMC, Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, and the Bandera American Legion Riders.
Local churches such as White Rock Christian Fellowship, youth organizations like Trail Life Troop TX-9112 and Boy Scout Troop 146, and visitors— including a young man from Warriors Heart—also took part. A moving rendition of “Amazing Grace” was performed by Robert Real.
Now in its fourth year, the vigil is organized by Bandera American Legion Post 157 under the leadership of Commander Col. Susan Junker, U.S. Army (Ret.).
The tradition began in 2022 as a way to honor National Police Week and National Peace Officers Memorial Day. Motivated in part by the Legion’s Vietnam veterans— who remember when military service was met with scorn—the post aimed to ensure that no one who wears a badge would feel unsupported.
The memorial honors all local officers lost in the line of duty, including Sheriff Elvious Hicks (March 20, 1932) and Deputy Sheriff Jack Phillips (Dec. 29, 1876), as well as every law enforcement officer who once patrolled Bandera County and now rests in the land they protected.
For information about future vigils or to participate, contact Bandera American Legion Post 157 at 830-796-7528.
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