Pinelawn hosts first lantern lighting celebration

Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum, known for its exceptionally beautiful grounds and world-class arboreta, hosted its first Lantern Lighting Celebration for families to honor deceased loved ones.
The celebration, which included two events on Saturday, Aug. 21 and Tuesday, Aug. 24, were held for families to remain connected to loved ones after they have passed.

Invited as a guest speaker at the celebration was Reverend Lamonte S. Granby, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Bronxville. Granby, who recently spoke at Pinelawn’s Spring Candlelight Remembrance Vigil, shared his thoughts on carrying those we love in our hearts.
“It’s very important for families to continue to feel connected with their loved ones, even after they pass,” Pinelawn Marketing Manager Kristyn Hovanec said. “Today, people tend to live very hectic lives, so we are happy to be able to host events so that families can take a pause to reconnect and honor those they’ve lost.”

During the events, attended by more than 400 people, guests received complimentary floating lanterns which they personalized and decorated and then released within Pinelawn’s Rose Garden Fountain as their loved one’s name was read aloud under the beauty of string lights and the soothing sounds of a live acoustic guitar and violin duo. Guests were also treated to food and invited to walk among the park’s vibrant rose garden labyrinth.

Pinelawn events are offered free of charge to its families and the public. Visit www.pinelawn.com/events to see the full 2021 calendar of events and to be added to the email list to learn more.

—Submitted by Pinelawn Memorial Park and Arboretum