The Texas Ranger is one of the most cherished symbols
of the Lone Star State, a positive and enduring icon of Texas and America.
Many families take immense pride in having a relative who was, or is,
a Texas Ranger. Past and present ranks include Texans of Hispanic, Anglo-European,
African, American Indian and Asian ancestry.
We who serve at the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum find our
mission a source of inspiration. It is an opportunity to live daily
with what I like to call the "Ranger Ideal."
At its core, the Ranger Ideal is respect for what our conscience tells
us is right, a dedication to the common good above self, and the belief
that an individual "in the right" can succeed in the face
of overwhelming odds. The words that go with this conviction are inspiring
-- honor, self-sacrifice, perseverance, dedication, valor, duty and
humility.
Most 19th century Texas Rangers lived this ideal. They protected their
neighbors from harm, fought and died in a war for freedom, captured
criminals and staved off invasions. Few were paid regularly, if at all.
Some Rangers died with glory at the Alamo. Others were wounded or died
in anonymity at dozens of nearly forgotten places. Many of their names
and deeds have been lost to history, but Texas is their legacy. It would
not exist without their sacrifice.
The outstanding Rangers of the 20th century honored this code. Like
the Lone Ranger of fiction, most avoided publicity and acclaim. They
faced off against mobs and prison riots, gave their lives rescuing children,
defused armed standoffs and trained those who would follow. In those
few instances when political action degraded their ranks, or took away
their right to use the title of Texas Ranger, many continued to serve
the common good in the Ranger tradition.
We are now in the 21st century, the third century of Texas Ranger
service. In the 1940s and '50s, t.v. shows and movie-serials prophesied
that 21st century "Space Rangers" would travel in rocket ships,
talk on long-distance "communicators" and use ray guns. It
all appeared far-fetched for a service that began in the Old West.
Space ships won't be a line item in the the Texas Department of Public
Safety budget any time soon. However, today's Rangers pack tools that
were science fiction fifty years ago -- laptop computers, digital cameras,
DNA sample kits and cell phones.
True to tradition, their outfits include boots and cowboy hats, Colt
pistols and circle-star badges made from Mexican coins. Their strengths,
though, remain their exceptional skills, perseverance, honor and dedication.
I've been privileged to meet many Texas Rangers and know a few well.
They are unquestionably among the finest law enforcement officers in
the world. They love their state and its people, respect its pioneering
traditions, and work very long hours to protect the public. Their primary
mission is to investigate major crimes and assist local law enforcement
agencies.
Like all officers of the law, Texas Rangers face individuals most
of us would prefer didn't exist -- pedophiles, murderers, serial killers,
rapists and corrupt public servants. The news that Texas Rangers are
on a case sometimes brings a quick confession or surrender -- as in
the recent case of the "Railroad Serial Killer." Like their
colleagues, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, The Texas Rangers have
a deserved reputation for bringing criminals to justice.
Many of us wish that other "role models" accomplished so
much with so little fanfare. When the cases are solved, and the media
arrives, the Texas Rangers traditionally step back and give local officers
the spotlight . . . remarkably like that fictional masked man with the
silver bullets some of us watched on television so long ago. "Wannabe"
Texas Rangers, dreaming of fame and acclaim, just don't get it.
The "Ranger Ideal" continues to inspire children and adults
in an increasingly cynical world. We see this daily at the Texas Ranger
Hall of Fame and Museum:
- Children, constantly exposed to media-manufactured "heroes,"
arrive at the Hall of Fame and Museum in the hopes of meeting "a
real Texas Ranger." Seeing the reaction when a child receives a
toy Ranger badge from a real Texas Ranger will restore your faith.
- Teachers tell us that the Texas Rangers are a popular term paper
topic for school children -- in far off countries as well as Texas:
I am a 17 year old student from Wellington, New Zealand. I am
currently working on an English project which I am doing on Texas
Rangers, a subject of great interest to me.
- The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame has become a regular stop for those
visiting President Bush's ranch in nearby Crawford. Foreign dignitaries
and Federal officials, accustomed to meeting heads of state, are visibly
impressed when introduced to "a real Texas Ranger." They request
autographs and they treasure Texas Ranger pins above far more expensive
souvenirs of America.
Byron A. Johnson, Director
Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
