Lighting a Candle for the Children

The cool northerly winds didn’t hamper the spirits of those who gathered Monday afternoon, April 3, on the courthouse lawn to light a candle for the 123 confirmed cases of child abuse or neglect in Haywood County last year.

Haywood County Mayor Franklin Smith read the proclamation by the city and county declaring April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and the “Singing Fireman” David Smith lead the Pledge of Allegiance and sang. Sheila Reed also sang special music. Exchange Club Members helping with the ceremony included Marty Williams, who recited the Prayer for Children, and John and Mickey Gallaspy leading the Candlelighting Ceremony.

As each candle was lit, the crowd was reminded of the 3 million cases of abuse reported nationally and the approximately 1,300 children who died last year as a result of abuse. An estimated 85% of these children were less than five years old. The Carl Perkins centers believe that prevention is the key to bringing these numbers down and asked everyone present to report suspected cases and to continue to report them until they feel the child is safe.

Preventing child abuse is like the lighting of a single candle. By itself, it only gives a little light. Pass it around to light others and together the light becomes strong and bright. The effects upon one child can influence every generation to come. Once you begin to make a difference the effects can be endless.

Exchange Club members John and Mickey Gallaspy

led the crowd in the candle lighting ceremony.

Those attending the Candlelight Vigil
enjoyed refreshments afterwards.
Sugar Palace etc. provided the cake.

First Published April 5, 2006