Remembering Lives Lost: Eagle Pass Vigil Shines Light on Border Tragedies
On Monday, September 4, at 7:00 PM, a memorial vigil will be held on the banks of the Rio Grande to remember the lives lost on the US-Mexico border. The ceremony, organized by the local group Eagle Pass Border Vigil, aims to highlight the value of life and honor those who have tragically died. Attendees are requested to dress in white and bring white flowers as a symbol of remembrance.
Carlos Longoria, a high school senior from Eagle Pass, Texas, said, In times of struggle, we must remember that humanity transcends borders, race, language, and nationality. The lives that have been lost are a tragedy to us all, and we must mourn them as fellow human beings.
According to the US Customs and Border Protection statistics, more than 500 people have lost their lives at the US-Mexico border this year. Many have drowned in the Rio Grande River, which forms the boundary between Texas and Mexico. Others have succumbed to dehydration, exposure, or violence. The vigil aims to raise awareness of this humanitarian crisis and emphasizes the need for unity and compassion.
Speakers at the vigil will include clergy, community members, and youth representatives. The names of the individuals who have passed away in the last month will be read aloud to honor their memory. As the vigil comes to a close, the gates to the river will be opened, and flowers will be released onto the waves of the Rio Grande. Attendees can expect music, poetry, and prayers as part of the meaningful ceremony.
Rodrigo Lozano, Jr., a senior at CC Winn High School, expressed the significance of these vigils, saying, These events offer us a chance to come together as a community and mourn the lives lost. With over 500 deaths this year alone, it is essential for us in Eagle Pass to connect and grieve together.
To demonstrate their support, the Eagle Pass Car & Bike Community, a local group dedicated to promoting car and bike culture, will hold a car show at 6:00 PM at the Maverick County Lake. Following a car and driver blessing, participants will embark on a Main Street Cruise to the vigil site, unifying with other attendees. Vintage and custom vehicle owners interested in participating are encouraged to register for the car show promptly.
Maximo Vallejo, an Eagle Pass native who is now a freshman at UNT Denton, emphasized the importance of these vigils, stating, We cannot let these injustices continue happening at the edge of our town, let alone the Rio Grande. Each person who has passed away has only ever wanted a better life. I hope there will be peace at the border someday soon.
Karen Gonzalez of the Border Organization remarked, The vigil in Eagle Pass, commemorating the lives lost along the Rio Grande, is vital in showing our collective humanity. We stand in solidarity with the immigrants and the river because they matter. This is not a political issue, but a humanitarian one. Even the loss of one life is one too many.
The organizers extend an invitation to all individuals who value human rights and dignity to attend the vigil and show their support for the communities affected by border deaths. Wearing white attire and bringing white flowers will add a visual representation of unity and remembrance. The vigil will be held at the Shelby Park Boat Ramp, located at 220 Main Street in Eagle Pass. For further information, please contact BorderVigil@gmail.com or visit fb.com/BorderVigil.
