The 16th annual Candlelight Vigil of Remembrance and Hope is a community gathering for family and friends to honor loved ones lost in tragic occurrences. The event is sponsored by the 13th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office and Mothers Against Drunk Driving. The vigil will allow family member and friends to speak about their loss and share their personal experiences with others.
“If the family member would like to say a couple words, they are more than welcome to,” MADD community leader Norris Skelley, said. “We have people who choose not to say anything, but light candles instead. Even if someone doesn’t want to come speak, we invite everyone to come participate.”
With more than 80 people attending last year and more than 100 people in 2006, the vigil is known for being one of MADD’s major community events. This remembrance is not only for the friends and families of victims of drunk driving accidents but also those that have been affected by homicide or other tragic incidents.
“We try to tell people that if you come out to the program you’ll have people there who know what you’ve been through and who can go through it with you, ” Skelley said. “Sharing a painful experience becomes easier when you’re around people who understand. Our program is an amazing healing process.”
Tech’s Vice President of Student Affairs, Marc Burnett, is scheduled to address the attendees.
The vigil will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday at the Wesley Arena. Participants are encouraged to bring a framed photo of their loved one to place on tables in the arena.
