The Worldwide Candle Lighting is one day out of the year when you can remember a child who has died and know that the world remembers with you. It is a day when you can light a remembrance candle and know that yours is joining with hundreds of thousands around the world.

This Sunday, December 9, bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, relatives, and friends from across the globe will join together for the Eleventh Annual Worldwide Candle Lighting sponsored by The Compassionate Friends, and you are invited to participate, whether at a formal service, at home with family and friends, or wherever you may be. While the event is officially observed for one hour at 7 p.m. local time around the world, services, both formal and informal, will be held throughout the day.

We are also joined by churches, funeral homes, memorial gardens, hospitals, hospices across the country, local bereavement groups, and informal groups of bereaved families. We welcome all who wish to join us in remembrance of all children of any age who have died.

If you are unable to attend a formal Worldwide Candle Lighting service, we encourage you to light a candle at 7 p.m., local time, wherever you may be.