• By Esmirna Esparza
  • Posted Thursday, September 8, 2016

Lanterns of Hope to be held September 10th

Join us on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Corpening Plaza in downtown Winston-Salem 11 am until 8 pm.. At 11:00 a.m., a Naturalization Ceremony administered by U.S.C.I.S. officers, will have twenty five area residents take the Oath of Allegiance as the final step in the process of becoming United States citizens. Next, join the Parade of Flags, though not as large as the Olympics, but will be as grand in spirit. The afternoon continues with live music, cultural dance performances, K - 12 art contest, international foods, a diversity of displays, crafts, and merchandise. The finale, around 7:00 p.m. will be Lanterns of Hope - the most fitting end to a multicultural event that begins with welcoming new U.S. citizens.

The Forsyth County Public Library proudly sponsors the 27th annual Lanterns of Hope, in conjunction with our mission to provide intellectual and cultural growth to Forsyth County residents.

Lanterns of Hope brings together all segments of our diverse community in a spirit of mutual friendship and understanding. Based on the Japanese tradition of lighting and floating lanterns to honor the spirits of ancestors it was used after the bombing of Hiroshima to remember those who died in that terrible tragedy. Over 500 cities worldwide have adopted the ceremony as a symbolic gesture to promote worldwide peace and understanding.

Allow an active moment for yourself, for each child or adult, to see yourself and others as a force for hope and positive change in the world and in our community. When we light each unique lantern together at sunset, we are bound by the similarities that together they are lanterns of hope with a common hope for unity and peace.

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