In Memory, a wall of lights in Empire

From staff reports

This winter, in far away Guatemala City’s Central Parque, hundreds of people stood in silent awe as the street lighting went dark and thousands of votives lit the park in honor of the Guatemalan Day of Affection.

Inspired by this beautiful moment, Empire township residents Anne-Marie Oomen and Mimi Wheeler thought to adapt the experience here in Michigan for an Evening of Memory during Memorial weekend.

On Saturday night, May 24, at 8:30 pm (just before dark) people are invited to write a memorial message to a veteran, loved one, or friend who has passed, and to light a votive in their honor which will then be placed on the Empire Beach Wall at the lighthouse end of the beach (north).  The goal is to light at least a hundred candles—more if possible, and to invite a moment of contemplation during this busy launch of summer.  The memorial messages may then be cast to the flames while the candles burn until the park closes at 10 pm.  Ingemar and Lisa Johansson and Norm Wheeler will provide music. Optional donations may be made to the Vida School in Antigua, Guatemala.