LANCASTER – Holding candles that symbolized loved ones lost and softly singing “Silent Night,” dozens of families gathered around a Christmas/Memory tree Tuesday for Hoffman Hospice’s 9th annual Light up a Life ceremony. The holiday event honors the memory of loved ones who have passed away with the reading of their names, a holiday musical choir, tree lighting and an evening of camaraderie focused on remembrance.
Nearly 200 people attended the somber ceremony, which was held on The BLVD and Date Avenue. The West Coast Baptist College Choir led the crowd in singing holiday music, before City officials, including Lancaster Mayor R. Rex Parris, Assemblyman Steve Knight, and Councilmember Sandra Johnson offered words of inspiration and encouragement to the crowd.
Johnson spoke of the pain of losing her mother and became emotional as she reflected on those moments with Mom that meant the most to her.
The choir hummed softly during the reading of names of deceased loved ones. Some embraced, while others cried quietly as their loved ones’ names were recited. After the final name was read, the 20-foot “memory tree” was lit, setting a mass of colors dancing against the soft glow of candlelight.
Sarah Cain Smith attended the Light up a Life ceremony with several family members to remember her beloved husband, Eugene.
“He was truly a good husband and I miss him being with the family,” said Smith.
Though Eugene has been gone for 15 years, Smith says she still misses him everyday, and the holidays are especially hard for her.
“These holidays bring back memories,” Smith said.
When I worked “down below,” my company used to host these “candlelight” events at their various location. They were very well received and certainly were a comfort, especially around the holidays, to those who had lost loved ones.
According to the A.V.Press Rex walked out half way through the ceremony. I guess he had better things to do.
So… Hoffman Hospice is a rest home where people go to die? Sounds like a worthy local charity to me.
Are they new, or is there some way I just haven’t heard about them?
Are they a 501 (c) (3)..?
Are they registered with the CA State Attorney General as a charity?
How many have they helped so far?
How could people donate to help them with something that would better help everyone?
Did Lancaster pay for it all.?
How much money did the Christmas Tree Lighting on THE BLVD, starring Mayor Rex, new Council Person Johnson and OUR Assemblyman Stve Knight to remember dead people… COLLECT..?
I’m thinking that the Hoffman Hospice provided the audience.
Maybe Rex should start his own church. Annoint himself as a Bishop or Apostle and use some of those “Re-Developement..” funds to build himself a CATHEDRAL…
He could give MORE speeches and prayers to his believers and followers every Sunday.
Rex could start his OWN choir.
Have all the services right on THE BLVD.
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So this is sort of like a NEW religion where dead people are remembered by lighting a Christmas Tree?
Then local Lancaster leaders offer encouraging speeches to those that came to remember dead people?
While a Baptist Choir hums and sings Christian Tunes or were they non-denominational hymns?
Did everyone adjorn for a few pops at Bex afterwards?
Its gotta be from the water there.
One crazy, poorly considered deal after another and the chief idea guy?
R. Rex Parris…
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Why are you attacking an event that was put on to celebrate the memory of loved ones who’ve passed on? Your callousness continues to shock me all of the time!
Matt, Ace does it because he’s a queer little man with no life, except for drooling over his keyboard to be the first to post on every article posted here. He most likely has mental problems, or a substance abuse problem.
I don’t get it. What is wrong with recaling those who are no longer with us? a man at the Lancaster Wreath Ceremony said it best. ” As you lay down a wreath know somebody is in there who was loved,respected and mattered.”
There is nothing wrong with sincere memorial ceremonies.
There is something wrong with dreaming up some last minute promotion for THE BLVD starring R. Rex Parris again and Steve Knight and Sandra Johnson.
This was ONLY a political happening so they could speak and get some nice Christmas publicity.
The three are suddenly spiritual leaders or counselors for those missing their loved ones?
And tieing it all to a Christmas Tree Lighting seems hunky door-ee to YOU?
How nice…
I just love all those tiny blinking lights so much, don’t you too?
Blinky-Blinky-BLINK…
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