WOODLAND – Rain did not hamper the Bennett & Houser Funeral Home Inc. Memorial Lantern Release recently held at the Bradford Cemetery Chapel, Woodland, on Tuesday, May 28.
According to Bradley B. Dimmick, supervisor – funeral director with Bennett & Houser Funeral Home, families served by the home from May 24, 2023 to May 20, 2024 were invited to the home’s first Memorial Lantern Release.
“In the past, we have done butterfly releases, a floral release and this year, I thought we should do the lanterns.
“Lanterns have various symbolic meanings and are used for a variety of occasions. We looked at the lanterns as a symbol of our loved ones’ souls and spirits moving from this earthly life to the realm of the immortal; as a symbol of the hope we have in God and our loved ones eternal life, free from the trials and tribulations of this life; and lastly as a gentle reminder that we keep the memory of our loved ones shining within our hearts forever.”
Funeral attendants, Gary Wigfield and Bruce Dimmick assisted with helping everyone feel welcome upon their arrival.
The program began with a welcome message from Dimmick, followed by words of meditation from the Rev. John White.
The names of those served were then read by Dimmick and Debbie Kruise, location manager – funeral director. When all of the names were read, Susan Carper, office manager, and Kruise demonstrated how to prepare the lanterns for take-off.
The family of Larry D. Hummel attended the service. Donna Hummel and her family, Lisa Homan, Abbey Homan, Linda Way, and Susan Michael stated, “We were honored to attend this memorial service to celebrate and honor the life of our husband and father. The sky lanterns were very symbolic of keeping a light shining in their memory.”
A number of families lit their lanterns at the cemetery, while others chose to light them at places special to their families.
After the lanterns were lit and could no longer be seen, everyone went back to the chapel for refreshments and fellowship.
The idea of releasing lanterns was so well received, the funeral home will be doing it again next year.