Texas Border Business
The Pharr City Commission approved a proclamation declaring September 25, 2025, as “National Day of Remembrance for Murder Victims,” honoring the lives lost to violence and the families forever changed by their absence. Present to receive the proclamation were Robert Garcia, CEO, President, and founder of the Rio Grande Valley Families & Friends of Murdered Children (RGV-FF) Inc., along with members of the organization.
Garcia shared with the Commission the critical work RGV-FF carries out in supporting survivors of violent crimes and homicide, helping children and families navigate trauma, and advocating for healing, safety, and justice. Since 2014, the organization has served more than 2,200 families across the region, and the need for support continues to grow. In 2024 alone, Texas recorded 1,847 homicides, leaving more than 18,470 close relatives directly impacted. Here in the Rio Grande Valley, 53 murders were reported, with over 530 surviving family members facing the devastating loss of a loved one.
To commemorate this solemn day, RGV-FF will host its 13th Annual Candlelight Vigil on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the Jose “Pepe” Salinas Memorial Recreation Center, located at 1011 W. Kelly Avenue in Pharr.
The vigil will feature the lighting of candles, the reading of names, and the sharing of stories that honor the lives of loved ones lost. “To Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez and the Pharr City Commission, thank you for standing as a pillar of compassion, remembrance, hope, and unity, and allowing us to share our grief, advocacy, and our stories with the community,” said Garcia. “We appreciate your unwavering support as we continue to host our vigil here in the City of Pharr.”
