Children we loved, children we lost

We do not have control over many things in life and death, but we do have control over the meaning we give it.

Twelve years ago Sherry & Pete Wertz and Vickie & Dan Fletcher found a way to bring meaning to the lives of the children we have loved--and lost--in the City of Du Quoin and the surrounding area.

They created the "Remember Me" service, an annual memorial held during the holidays at Liberty Church on West Main Street in Du Quoin.

The names of the more than 200 children--some younger and some older--we remember this year appear on today's Page 14. Thirty names have been added since last year.

The service is being held this Sunday, Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at Liberty Church. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

This ceremony is open to the whole community. Everyone is invited. You are invited to come and light a candle in remembrance to all the children who have died..."that their light may shine."

Come and support the parents and families of those who have lost a child or a sibling. Your attendance will show these families that our community has not forgotten them.

Anyone who comes to the service is asked to bring a voltive candle, but this is optional.

The candles alone are a beautiful tribute to our children.

There is also a well done power point presentation and a handful of readings that bring closure to the loss of those children that are loved so deeply.

Their memories stay with us.

If you have any question, please feel free to contact Vickie and Dan Fletcher at 542-3781 or Sherry or Pete Wertz at 542-4369.

Everyone looks forward to you being there and sharing in this.

Liberty Church is located at 680 West Main Street in Du Quoin.