Hundreds of Open Services Now Being Planned for Worldwide Candle Lighting December 11 to Remember Children
OAK BROOK, Ill., Sept. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Love doesn't end with death. Families that have had a child die understand that. And with that understanding, plans are underway in hundreds of areas across the country, as well as around the globe, for the 15th Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting December 11, 2011.
Held annually the second Sunday in December, the Worldwide Candle Lighting unites family and friends who light candles for one hour to honor and remember children who have died at any age from any cause. As candles burn down in one time zone, they are then lit in the next, creating a virtual 24-hour wave of light as the observance continues around the world.
"The Worldwide Candle Lighting allows grieving families to know that their children have not been and never will be forgotten, whether that child died 60 years ago or yesterday," says Patricia Loder, executive director of The Compassionate Friends. "This event surpasses all artificial, religious, and cultural boundaries, allowing us to mourn as one when death robs the world of its most valuable resource."
All allied organizations, community groups, churches and houses of worship, funeral homes, hospitals, and local community groups are invited to participate. In past years The Compassionate Friends has been joined by chapters from several organizations, including MISS, MADD, Parents of Murdered Children, SIDS Network, Gilda's Club, and Bereaved Parents of the USA. Services open to the public are held in every state, Washington DC and Puerto Rico, as well as some 15 additional countries around the world. Tens of thousands of families also join in quietly, lighting candles informally in their homes. There is a Remembrance Book on TCF's national website at http://www.compassionatefriends.org open the day of the event to receive messages of love. Last year more than 5,000 messages were posted in the short 24 hour-span.
If you'd like to hold a service, visit TCF's national website general Worldwide Candle Lighting page for service ideas and general information including candle lighting posters you are welcome to use. Also, please submit information so your service can be included on the website. Last year more than 550 services were submitted and posted on TCF's national website.
The Compassionate Friends has more than 630 chapters in the United States offering support to bereaved families after the death of a child. To learn more about The Compassionate Friends and its many programs for bereaved families, call toll-free 877-969-0010 or visit them on the web at http://www.compassionatefriends.org. Also on Facebook.
Contact:
Wayne Loder
Public Awareness Coordinator
The Compassionate Friends
(Toll-free) 877-969-0010
E-mail: [email protected]
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SOURCE The Compassionate Friends
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