Compassionate Friends Worldwide Memorial Day Dec. 11th

Uniquely, this is on Matthew's actual date, one year after his death.

9th Worldwide Candle Lighting

In loving memory of all children who are no longer with us, The Compassionate Friends [TCF] extends an invitation for you, your family, and friends to join other bereaved families around the globe for the ninth annual Worldwide Candle Lighting.

Held annually on the second Sunday in December, The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting unites family and friends worldwide as they light candles to honour and remember children who have died. On Sunday, December 11, 2005 , hundreds of community candle lighting ceremonies will be held in parks, churches, and other public places by TCF chapters, allied organizations, and other compassionate groups. Thousands more will be held informally in homes.

As candles are lit at 7 p.m. [your] local time, bereaved families commemorate and honour their loved ones in a way that transcends all ethnic, cultural, religious, and political boundaries.

Probably the largest candle lighting in the world, the ceremony creates a virtual 24-hour wave of light as it moves from time zone to time zone. Hundreds of formal events are held and many informal candle lightings are held in homes as families gather in quiet remembrance of children, siblings and grandchildren who are no longer with them.

Since the Worldwide Candle Lighting started in 1997 it has since swelled in numbers as word has spread throughout the world of this act of remembrance. A memorial message board is available during the event at the TCF USA Web site, www.compassionatefriends.org and hundreds of messages are received each year from countries all round the world.

Please join us this year and light a candle at 7 pm your local time