An Evening of Remembrance: What to Expect

​As our committee continues to plan for the Evening of Remembrance on May 9th at 6:00 pm and meet with the pastor who will lead, we carry all of you who will be attending in our hearts and thoughts.

We understand that you might have questions about what to expect from the Evening of Remembrance, especially if you are a family who will be burying or honoring a child. The following are some of the details you might be wondering about - but might not know how to ask. Please let us know if you have any other questions. 

• On Thursday the 9th a Wings of Hope committee member will meet with a representative from Mankato Mortuary and Terry Miller of Calvary to witness the remains being placed in the burial vault. The vault will be sealed before being taken to the Wings of Hope memorial site.
• A volunteer from the community sews burial blankets which wrap each baby's remains individually.
• The grave will be prepared and the burial vault will be placed at the Wings of Hope memorial site before the ceremony. 
• There is limited seating available at the site. You are also welcome to bring your own lawn chairs or stand for the duration.
• The event will happen rain or shine, so please plan for the weather. In case of significant inclement weather we will move the service into the cemetery chapel (located near the Wings of Hope memorial site). 
• Pastor Darren from Hosanna Highland Church in Mankato will lead the ecumenical service. He is planning a heartfelt message of compassion, love, and hope.
• Not all families have remains for burial, which is why all families who have experienced pregnancy loss and newborn death will be invited during the service to place flowers at the burial vault in recognition of all children who have been lost. 
• The Wings of Hope committee provides fresh cut flowers. You are also welcome to bring your own if preferred.
• After the closing song you are all invited to stay at the site for light refreshments. Some families also take this time to take pictures at the memorial site to include in their own personal albums and family history records.
• After the ceremony, Terry will bury the vault at the perimeter of the paved walkway. A flat grave marker will be placed at a later date at this location with the month and year of the service.

It is our mission as a committee to be able to provide you, the families who have lost children, with a comforting and compassionate service. Please feel free to contact us with any questions.
wingsofhopemankato@gmail.com
507-519-0658