BANDERA'S POLISH ROOTS

The earliest settlers of Bandera came from Poland, in search of a better place to live. The beautiful Medina River afforded them shelter and a budding business in cypress tree shingles. Many of the ancestors of the first residents are still living in Bandera, few have returned to visit and rekindle with those they left behind in the home country.

What started as an exchange of flags with the relatives in Poland, has evolved into week long visits to Poland and Bandera by decendants of the first settlers and local government officials and businessmen.

Last year, Bandera residents toured the native land, this year they came to Bandera and were treated to a week long celebration of all things Bandera. Thursday was the grand finale with a banquet at the Flying L Ranch, with entertainment provided by the Bandera High School chorus and local minstrel Dusty Britches.

Our Polish visitors treated us with a video of their town, then and now, with personal greetings from their Archbishop and Mayor. Judge Richard Evans presented each Polish visitor with a Distinquished Service Award from Bandera County, and a Betsy Ross US Flag for them to take to their town.

Though many of our visitors did not speak English, you could sense the love and enthusiasm they had for Bandera and the USA. Lots of hugs and smiles both ways, great for Bandera, great for Poland and our new friends from Eastern Europe. Plans are already underway for our trip to Poland next year.