By Steve Neavling
The U.S. Border Patrol celebrated its 100th anniversary with a series of public events in El Paso, Texas, over the weekend.
Hundreds of people turned out to watch a parade downtown, the El Paso Times wrote.
One of them was Danielle Salcido, whose children carried a sign that read, “Daddy is our hero.” Their father is a 16-year veteran of the agency.
“They have a hard job,” Salcido said. “We just want to show all of them our love and support.”
Border Patrol spokesperson Claudio Herrera said the parade was a reminder that the agents are part of El Paso.
“This is a great opportunity for the community and United States Border Patrol to celebrate together our 100-year anniversary,” he said. “It’s a great resemblance of what the community of El Paso has and what the Border Patrol has to give to the community.”
The Border Patrol also held a memorial for agents who lost their lives in the line of duty, KFOX14/CBS4 reports.
“We are here to honor those who lost their lives in service of our country for the betterment of others,” Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said. “And perhaps I shouldn’t say they lost their lives, they gave their lives for this country.”
The agency has lost 154 agents.
“This ceremony serves as the opportunity for us to express our deepest respect and appreciation for their ultimate sacrifice,” El Paso Sector Chief Patrol Agent Anthony Scott Good said.
Congress officially established the Border Patrol in 1924 to help secure the border between inspection points. A year later, the agency’s responsibilities were expanded to protect the seaports.
The early agents were given their own horse and saddle and a $1,680 annual salary, according to CBP.
“El Paso is such a fitting place to commemorate this significant milestone, it is where the legend began,” Good said in a statement. “So many foundational events in the Border Patrol’s history occurred right here in El Paso – like advancements that have impacted our operations nationwide to this day.”
