On Dec. 10, 2006, The Compassionate Friends, allied organizations, churches, hospitals and funeral homes will observe the 10th anniversary of the Worldwide Candle Lighting - a day set aside each year to honor and remember all children who have died far too soon. At 7 p.m. local time, candles will be lit for one hour in remembrance of the children gone, but never forgotten, creating a wave of light around the world.

Unfortunately, every year we are faced with tragedies that make this circle of light grow ever larger. As we light our candles, we remember the servicemen and women who have died in defense of their country, schoolchildren who have died senselessly at the hands of others, those who have suffered long-term illness or died before they could see the light of day, and the many, many others who have lost their lives to AIDS, suicide, or accident.

Anyone wishing to locate a nearby service or receive more information is welcome to visit TCF's national Web site at www.compassionatefriend.org

Patricia Loder, Executive director,
The Compassionate Friends/USA