Children's memorial takes place Sunday in Warwick

Warwick — Meghann Doyle has had to deal with some very tough losses. One of her best friends, Katelyn Knebel, lost her battle last year with cancer. Another friend, Rich Rudy, died in a car accident just a couple of months ago. Doyle, 18, mourns her friends daily and decided maybe it would be a good thing to share those feelings with others who have had a similar loss. This Sunday, Doyle, along with Jess Grazidio, also 18, will become part of a worldwide event right here in Warwick. The two have helped to organize the Children’s Memorial Day, an event to acknowledge all of the infants, children, teenagers, and young adults who have died. This Sunday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. throughout the world and right here at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Warwick, memorial services will be held and candles lit to remember those young people who were lost too soon. “The candles will be lit to represent the light of the loved ones that have passed,” said Doyle. The event starts in New Zealand, then, groups from countries from around the world will light their candles to remember their loved ones. The candle lighting will take place at exactly 7 p.m. local time, Doyle said. Anyone who doesn’t have a candle can buy one at the park. Hot chocolate, tea, coffee and bottled water will also be sold for $1, with all profits going to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. 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 after some words from Warwick Town Supervisor Michael Sweeton to honor the children who have passed on. Anyone wishing their child or loved one’s name to be read, should see Doyle before the program. Doyle asked that people arrive by 6:45 at the park. The event is being sponsored by the Warwick Little League. “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.”