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.