More About the Evening of Remembrance

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. We have shared these before and heard from parents that it was helpful to know what to expect. Please let us know if you have any other questions. 

• On Thursday the 10th of May 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. 
• A volunteer from the community sews white satin burial blankets which cover each baby's individual burial container or box. The vault will be sealed.
• The grave will be prepared and the burial vault will be placed at the Wings of Hope memorial site before the ceremony. 
• We have some seating available at the site. You are also welcome to bring your own lawn chairs or stand for the duration.
• In case of inclement weather we will move the service into the cemetery chapel (located near the Wings of Hope memorial site). 
• Father Tim Reker is working with our committee to plan an ecumenical service with a 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. In previous services we have had parents who lost children decades ago participate in this moment of remembrance with flowers.
• We provide fresh cut flowers for this portion of the service. 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 service, 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