National Suicide Survivor's Day was observed Saturday in Lehighton with a candlelight vigil held in the park amphitheater.

Gail Strohl, coordinator of the event, said the National Survivors of Suicide Day is held each year on the Saturday before Thanksgiving.This was the second annual program in Lehighton.More than a dozen people attended, many holding photos of loved ones who committed suicide.The event was held despite temperatures rapidly dropping (they were in the low 40s) and a slight sprinkle of rain.Ironically, as the program began, nearby church chimes began playing the hymn, "How Great Thou Art."Strohl is a member of the support group "HALOS" of Carbon County, which meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of every month in the Gnaden Huetten Campus of Blue Mountain Health System.She said HALOS is an acronym for "hope after a loved one's suicide."Assisting her was her husband, Ronald. They lost their youngest son, Kyle, to suicide nine years ago. He was 20 when he took his life.Ronald said Kyle's suicide came without warning. Kyle left a note but gave little indication why he took his life.Five battery-operated candles were lit. Gail said the candles represent grief, courage, hope, memory and love. She urged those attending to remember "that the light and warmth of memory will always be with us."HALOS acted in partnership for the program with the group "POWER," which is an acronym for "program of wellness, empowerment and recovery." POWER is a mobile and site-based psychiatric rehabilitation service.Ronald Strohl said, "One problem with suicide is the stigma that's attached. You see friends in supermarkets and they go down a different aisle. They don't know what to say."Gail said, "If you have lost someone to suicide, the first thing you should know is you are not alone."She said emotions often felt by suicide survivors are shock, depression, anger, relief and guilt.An audience response reading was given during which attendees responded, "I miss you, yet I know I am healing."Also recited was a poem, "We Remember Them."Played was a Rascal Flatts song, "Why."For more information on HALOS, contact Strohl at 610-377-2035, and for information on POWER, call 610-377-3940.