The Annual Walk to Remember: Walking Together, Never Alone
October is a month that holds a particularly sacred space in the hearts of bereaved parents. It’s National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, and while we dedicate every day to supporting our community, October is the moment the world shines a light on our babies.
The capstone of this month—and a tradition for our community—is the Annual Walk to Remember.
More Than a Walk: It’s a Sacred Ceremony
When you hear “walk,” you might picture a marathon or a fundraiser. The Walk to Remember is different. It is not about distance, and it is not about raising money; it is a ceremonial act of love, grief, and solidarity.
This is a day dedicated entirely to honoring the lives of babies lost to miscarriage, stillbirth, SIDS, neonatal death, and other forms of infant loss. It is a powerful, non-judgmental space where the only requirement is an open heart.
What Makes the Walk So Meaningful?
For so many parents, the biggest fear is that their child will be forgotten. The Walk to Remember is a loud, beautiful, and collective promise that their baby’s life mattered.
- The Reading of Names: This is often the most profound part of the ceremony. As each name is read aloud, the child’s existence is affirmed, and the surrounding silence is filled with the presence of hundreds of people who understand the depth of that loss. For many, this is the first time they have heard their baby’s name spoken publicly in a large, supportive gathering.
- The Act of Remembrance: Many walks incorporate symbolic acts—a candlelight vigil (part of the International Wave of Light on October 15th), a balloon or butterfly release, or the planting of a memorial tree. These rituals offer a tangible way to express a love that has no physical place to go.
- The Power of Community: Grief can feel incredibly isolating. When you step onto the path of the Walk to Remember, you are instantly surrounded by others who get it. You’ll see the raw grief of new loss and the quiet strength of those who are years into their journey. It’s a profound reminder that you are not walking alone; you are walking alongside a community of love.
Join Our Local Walk to Remember! 📍
We are honored to host our annual Walk to Remember right here in our community.
Date: Wednesday, October 15, 2025
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, Sierra Vista, AZ
We invite you to join us as we gather to remember, share, and support one another. More details about the specifics of our local ceremony, including how to submit your child’s name to be read, will be available soon on our website at www.grievingthechild.org.
If You Can’t Attend in Person…
You can still participate in the International Wave of Light on October 15th (Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day). Simply light a candle at 7:00 PM in your time zone and keep it burning for at least one hour. This creates a 24-hour wave of light across the globe, uniting us all in remembrance.
This October, we encourage you to step out of the shadows, even for just an hour. Let us honor our children, support one another, and continue to break the silence surrounding this profound form of loss.
With love and remembrance,
Jennifer
President/Founder, Grieving the Child
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