The Bandera community came together Friday night to pay tribute to the victims of the July floods and the first responders who aided in the aftermath.
More than 70 people gathered under the pavilion at Bandera River Park to hear prayers and reflections from local clergy and community leaders.
Volunteers from the Bandera Ice Haus and Bandera Brewery handed out candles, carnations and water to the crowd.
Several boys from the local Trail Life group helped distribute event programs.
Chris Dion, chaplain for the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association of the Hill Country and American Legion Post 157, served as master of ceremonies.
The event began with a presentation of colors by the Lakehills American Legion Post 410 Honor Guard.
Pastor Remington Talley of Ridin’ the River Cowboy Felllowship led a prayer at the vigil.
Audience members lit their candles in preparation for singing together in honor of the vicitims of the flood.
Local vocalist Jennifer D’Spain followed with a soulful rendition of the national anthem before the evening’s first invocation.
Behind the pavilion stood 37 small wooden crosses—each honoring a child lost in the floods. The crosses were crafted from wood sourced in the Kerrville flood zone by Courtney Calhoun and Roberto Marquez.
The audience remained quiet throughout the program. A group of five Bexar County sheriff’s deputies stood silently nearby, and Dion acknowledged the first responders present.
Bandera County Sheriff Josh Teitge delivered brief remarks about the efforts of local first responders during the flood response. He noted that Bandera County’s dispatch team fielded 333 requests for assistance from Kerrville residents as Kerr County’s system became overwhelmed.
Bexar County Sheriff’s Sgt. Chastity Anderson, a Bandera County resident and first responder, spoke about the cooperation between neighboring counties during the emergency.
The evening’s first prayer came from Chaplain Mark Caronna, host of the Ask the Chaplain podcast. A 28-year veteran of the Houston Police Department and a certified trauma and crisis chaplain, Caronna shared statistics about the toll trauma takes on first responders.
Pastor Daryl Cheswick of Sonrise Christian Fellowship offered a heartfelt prayer for both flood victims and those who served them in the aftermath.
Representing Ridin’ the River Cowboy Church, Pastor Remington Talley offered a brief, humble prayer for the people of Bandera County. His quiet words touched the hearts of many in the audience.
The final prayer was offered by Pastor Andrew Loos of Oasis Family Fellowship, who asked for comfort and protection for grieving families. He prayed for a “hedge of protection” around the homes of the victims’ loved ones.
Before the candlelight memorial began, Chaplain Dion recognized the event’s organizers: Corey Reed of Bandera Best Western, Diana Walters of First National Ice Haus, the Bandera Chamber of Commerce and the City of Bandera.
As local musician Gary Cornell strummed softly on guitar, attendees lit their candles and joined him in singing “Tears in Heaven,” written by Eric Clapton and Will Jennings.
When the music ended, Dion reminded the audience that pastors were available for anyone who needed prayer or support.
He encouraged those present to remember they were not alone—that they are part of a resilient Hill Country community that stands together.
As the evening closed, audience members slowly left the park—many walking to homes nearby—each carrying a single carnation in memory of the flood victims.
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