Candles in the wind

National Children’s Memorial Day set for Sunday at Florida Presbyterian Church Florida — Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas — the joyous holidays of the season are upon us. And while most of us look forward to sharing these wonderful times with our families, for many it is bittersweet as they remember those they have lost. The loss of a child is especially difficult. This Sunday, Dec. 9, is the 11th annual National Children’s Memorial Day worldwide. Locally, a candle-lighting vigil will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church on Main Street in Florida as part of the largest candle-lighting service in the world. Meghann Doyle has helped organize the local event for the past few years. Just 20, Doyle lost her best friend, Katelyn Knebel, to cancer three years ago. Doyle said those wishing to participate may bring a picture of their loved one to display during the ceremony. A reading of their names also will take place. Anyone wishing to participate by reciting a poem or saying some words about their loved one is welcome to do so. “Many of you may know that Warwick and the surrounding towns have had a tremendous loss in the past years,” said Doyle. “This is our special way of joining with others who have suffered the same type of loss and remembering our loved ones.” Throughout the world, starting in New Zealand, memorial services will be held Sunday, lighting candles to remember the light of the loved ones that have passed. Candles will be provided, along with tree ornaments in the shape of stars, which were decorated by local Girl Scouts. These will hang on a tree in memory of the children who have died. The non-denominational service begins promptly at 7 p.m. Sunday, but Doyle asks that those wishing to participate by speaking arrive by 6:15 p.m. For more information, call Doyle at 845-742-3649 or Kate Rudy at 845-987-0797.