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Lincolnland Hospice is planning to host its 17^th annual Memory Day, a program that is designed for children who have experienced the death of a loved one.

Memory Day is set for 10 am, Saturday, June 18, outside of Entrance A at Sarah Bush Lincoln. Children and their families and friends should meet in the lobby of Entrance A.

The memorial service gives children an opportunity to pay tribute to special people or pets that have died. Children will plant flowers in the Idea Garden, which is located near Entrance A. The group will also release a dove.

Lincolnland Hospice Bereavement Counselor and Memory Day Coordinator Dawn Macke said that the dove and the flowers are not only part of the service, but she has noticed that the doves have tended to stay around the Health Center over the years. According to Macke, the continuing presence of the doves and the flowers are powerful symbols that represent the people and pets remembered on this day. They are “always there.”

Macke noted that another aspect of the event is a book reading, entitled “The Next Place” by Warren Hanson. She explained that the book is designed to bring comfort to kids, a reminder that special people and pets are not gone. According to Macke, their spirits are rekindled on this day with stories about grandparents, parents, and siblings.

She said that “whoever it is,” there is an opportunity to share and listen on Memory Day.

Memory Day is free and open to any child who has lost a loved one, however, adults are asked to stay with the children during the program. Light refreshments will also be served. For more information about SBL bereavement services or Memory Day, please call Macke at 1-800-454-4055.