The second Sunday in December of each year is designated as "Worldwide Children's Remembrance Day," a time to commemorate and honor the memory of children who have died at any age from any cause.

Since 1997, a Worldwide Candle Lighting, believed to be the largest mass candle lighting on the globe, has created a 24-hour wave of light as it moves from time zone to time zone at 7 p.m. local time. This observance was initiated by The Compassionate Friends, an international Bereaved Parents organization, as a gift for families to remember the children who have died too soon, but will never be forgotten.For the first time in the 15 years of this event, there will be a Candle Lighting Service held in Carbon County.The service will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11 at Zion United Church of Christ, Second and Iron streets, Lehighton.The program will include reading, music and candle lighting, along with recognition of the children being remembered.Participants are invited to create and bring an ornament that honors their child, which may be placed on the "Remembrance Tree," to be displayed throughout the holiday season. The ornament may include a photo and/or the name(s) of the child (children) being remembered.Light refreshments and time for fellowship will follow the Candle Lighting Service.For more information, email

davelora@ptd.net, or phone (610) 377-6188.