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| Director Bonnie Dixon, Father Pizzo and Mama Donna |
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| The first Story Stone was placed on the numerous unmarked graves of African-Americans |
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It was an emotional gathering for many
in attendance |
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Rose petals were provided, and strewn
on the Story Stones
to give blessings. |
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| The reflective crowd learns about the Story Stone in honor of the influenza victims |
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A most remarkable evening: Maple Grove Cemetery, in Queens, held its annual Day of Remembrance Lantern Festival based on the Chinese mid-Autumn festival which takes place under the full moon. The event, both somber and joyous, was a personal evening of remembrance of loved ones which began with a bagpipe procession followed by reflections by Father Pizzo and Mama Donna at the cemetery's
Story Stones, a visit to their 9/11 Memorial, all culminating in a sunset Lantern Festival. After writing endearments and good wishes, glowing lanterns were launched on the lake — symbolically helping the
loved one's journey. Absolutely beautiful, as you
will see from the photos: |
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| Please click on each picture to see the complete image.
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A stone labyrinth
is situated near
the cemetery's
peaceful lake |
At sunset, those in attendance prepared lanterns, inscribing
their wishes to their loved ones. |
Waiting to launch the lighted lanterns
on the lake... |
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| A flotilla of lanterns bearing messages to loved ones makes its way down the waters. |
Lanterns afloat under the harvest moon brought good wishes for loved ones who have passed, and comfort to those left behind. |
Glowing lanterns |
Photos and text by
By Diane Saarinen, Brooklyn, NY
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Those in attendance walked the cemetery from one Story
Stone to the next |
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Traveling up the hill
to the cemetery's
9/11 Memorial |
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| The procession was led by the mournful sound of a bagpipe |
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A yellow rose was placed for each victim of 9/11 buried
at the cemetery |
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| Roses near the star lights to honor each loved one lost on 9/11 |
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