It's one of the largest mass candle lightings in the world, according to Debbie Kamm, chapter leader of St. Joseph County Compassionate Friends.
Well over 200 people showed up tonight at the Angel of Hope Memorial Garden in South Bend to light a candle for a loved one and gather with people who can relate to their grief.
"There's a lot of comfort in being with those who understand and being here at this great place," says Dave Miller, who lost his son.
"We do miss him during the holidays as we do all the time, but this is a special moment, this is a special time during the holiday season to embrace him and his memory," says Donella Kujawa.
Each had a chance to step forward and announce who they were lighting their candle for.
"It can be very healing to hear your child's name. Some people don't want to talk to you, they're afraid you're going to get upset or you're going to cry when you hear you're child's name. We crave for you to mention them, we want to talk about them because we love them so dearly and we miss them even more," says Kamm.
It's hosted by The Chapter of Compassionate Friends and chapters all over the world were lighting candles Sunday evening at 7. So as candles burn down in one time zone, they are lighted in the next.
