"It's bittersweet, but having you guys here today sure makes a difference.  We have friends and family that really love and appreciate what we're doing here," said Dr. Hector Alvarez when welcoming the many who came out to honor the victims of this tragedy as well as to support the one little candle in the wind, little Alex who was present decked out in his striped shirt and sneakers, standing proudly besides his uncle and grandparents, those who will love and care for him in these initial years of his amazing life.

"Please bless those gathered at this time, help us as we initiate this campaign," stated Father Lawrence of Our Lady of Refuge Church, "Give us the strength to work together as we save people's lives."

"We're here first and foremost to commemorate the lives of Alex, Lily and Olga, to thank you all for taking time out of your schedules to be here as well as to shed some positive light on this very important campaign," continued Alvarez.

"I'm also here to let you guys know that there is something at the end of this, something positive.  The 'Don't Text And Drive 12' campaign is something we can do to promote a little safety in our community for our people, because I know for a fact that before this happened, I might have taken it lightly myself.  People think 'What's a couple of seconds, I'll send this text out', but in reality, nothing is more important than life."

"We know how something like that, a simple little text, can affect a family's life forever."

"It just so happens that the other driver was texting when he caused the fatal crash that took my brother's life.  He didn't have a chance.  He didn't have a chance to react.  It was a split second.  So that's why we're here, because he didn't have a chance to tell us how dangerous this is, but we do.  We can set the example for our children.  I look around and see family, my friends are here, but if you're here, I also consider you family, and I would hate to lose even one more of you because of something like this."

The Alvarez Family passed out the 'Don't Text And Drive 12' stickers and spent some quality time with local dignitaries such as State Representative Alfonso Nevarez, Mayor Ramsey English-Cantú, Municipal Judge Frankie Martinez, Superintendent Gilberto Gonzalez, EPISD --Board Member Hilda Caballero, board member Bennie Rodriguez, local attorney Claudio Heredia, former EPISD board member Mark Garcia, former EPISD Superintendent and current Maverick County Human Resources Director Jesus Sanchez, Ancira Eagle Pass'

Werner Johnson as well as many loved ones and sup- porters were all on hand to support both families.

"Something as simple as seeing a sticker on someone's vehicle can cause you to keep from sending that text and keep your eyes on the road in front of you, because, believe me you have to drive defensively because not everyone is

looking out for you." 

Alvarez asked all in attendance to bow their heads and think of their loved ones that would be affected if they were in an accident caused by someone who is texting, an act which surely caused all gathered to take a moment to reflect on our loved ones. A brisk wind was blowing and the sounds of the vehicles could be heard among the songs of birds in the trees in and around the corner of Colorado and Garrison.

"Just to let you know folks, there is always hope. Where there's faith, there's hope and wherever there's hope there's love," Alvarez concluded before turning the microphone over to Cynthia Martinez who, on behalf of Congressman Pete Gallego, read the proclamation: "I rise today to honor three constituents of the 23rd Congressional District of Texas who died in a tragic accident on May 26, 2012. Alex Alvarez, his wife Maritza Alvarez and her mother, Olga A. Valdez. 

We remember them with love, affection and respect. Their deaths were caused by a person who was texting and driving. After this tragic accident, the families of the victims made it their goal in life to teach people about the dangers of texting and driving. The family started the 'Don't Text And Drive 12' cause which helps educate the people about the consequences of driving while texting. The organization passes out stickers to drivers to forever." honor the families of Alex, Maritza and Olga. 

May theirmemories remain with us