Children's Memorial Day to take place Sunday in Warwick

Warwick — The loss of a child is probably the most devastating loss a parent can encounter. Losing a friend in the prime of their life causes tremendous grief. Mourning together and celebrating the lives of young people taken too soon is the purpose of Children’s Memorial Day, this Sunday, Dec. 10. Meghann Doyle, 19, has had to deal with some very tough losses. Over the past two years, she has lost two friends, one her very best friend, Katelyn Knebel, who lost her battle with cancer. This coming Sunday, Doyle will participate in a worldwide event to acknowledge the infants, children, teenagers and young adults who have passed away. The local event will be held at the Warwick United Methodist Church on Forester Avenue. “At 7 p.m. throughout the world, starting in New Zealand, memorial services will be held, lighting candles to remember the light of the loved ones that have passed,” said Doyle. “Warwick and the surrounding towns have had a tremendous loss in the past years.” Doors will open at the church at 6:15. Candles will be provided, according to Doyle, who asks that participants dress warmly and arrive early. Anyone wishing for their loved one’s name to be read at the ceremony should be there by 6:15 p.m. and see Doyle. “The candles will be lit to represent the light of the loved ones that have passed,” said Doyle. According to the Web site www.compassionatefriends.org, the second Sunday in December is believed to be the largest mass candle lighting in the world. It creates a virtual 24-hour wave of light as it moves from time zone to time zone. The Worldwide Candle Lighting started in the United States in 1997 as a small Internet observance but has since swelled in numbers as word has spread throughout the world of the remembrance, the Web site notes. Doyle said those in attendance may bring a picture of their loved one to display during the ceremony. A reading of their names, if desired, will also take place. “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.”