Pink Behind the Thin Blue Line, a local nonprofit group aimed at bridging the gap between officers and the communities they protect and serve, will hold a candlelight prayer vigil at 8 p.m. Sunday on the front steps of the Bi-State Justice Center.
Area city leaders, officers, pastors and people from every walk of life are asked to come together to show love and solidarity for Texarkana in the wake of recent tragedies across the country.
"What we hope to come from this prayer vigil is to show how the communities in Miller and Bowie counties are united," said president of Pink Behind the Thin Blue Line Chasity Russell. "We hope to bridge the gap between our officers and the communities so that if someone has an interaction with law enforcement they understand to be respectful and cooperate with the officer so that everyone involved can go home safe. We need to unite and take a stand together against any violence."
Area pastors including Jeff Schreve, Reginald Reid, Derek Murphy and Bill Saxby will unite to pray for the safety of local officers and citizens.
"As Christians, we should be examples of living in peace," Reid said. "To live in peace does not mean that suddenly all differences in opinion are eliminated, but it does require that loving Christians work together despite their differences. Such love is not a feeling, but a decision to meet the needs of others. To live in love leads to peace between individuals and among the members of the body of believers."
Area Boy Scouts will be on hand to present the colors and lead in the Pledge of Allegiance. Bernard Pettit will give the opening prayer, and a moment of silence will be held to pay respect to individuals who have lost their lives to violence. Erik Akin will give the closing prayer.
A limited number of candles will be available, participants are encouraged to bring their own.
For more information about the event or Pink Behind the Thin Blue Line, visit the Facebook page at thepinkbehindthethinblueline.