The Union Township Board of Trustees has announced the Sixth Annual Lantern Lighting Ceremony from 5 – 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 15, at Mt. Moriah Cemetery, 686 Mt. Moriah Drive, Union Township.

Since 2008, this event has grown to be one of the most favorite annual events in the area.

Created to honor loved ones who have passed on, participants find peace and joy in creating memorials that will float on the pond at the cemetery at dusk.

Guests are provided with all the materials needed to create their own personalized lanterns. The finished paper lanterns will be placed on platforms designed to float on the water.

Each will hold a small votive candle in the middle, and that flame will catch the sun’s waning glow as the lanterns are gently laid on the water to the sounds of bugler Larry DuPree playing Amazing Grace and America the Beautiful.

After decorating their lanterns, guests will enjoy dinner provided by the Board of Trustees, to the sounds of a string trio from the Clermont Philharmonic Orchestra.

Following dinner, the Marine Corps Veterans of Ohio League Detachment 393 Color Guard will present the colors, and Boy Scout Pack 671 and Cub Scout Troop 671 will lead the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem, followed by Taps on the bugle.

As the evening draws to a close, guests gather on the shore to watch the sun set on the spectacle of light and well-wishes.

Mt. Moriah Cemetery is located at 686 Mt. Moriah Drive in Union Township. Parking will be available across the street at the Mt. Moriah United Methodist Church. Shuttle service will be provided to the tent at the east side of the cemetery, by the pond, where the ceremony will take place.

This event is free and open to public. You may bring your own chairs or blankets to relax and enjoy the ceremony. And don’t forget your cameras. This evening will be a wonderful opportunity for spectacular photos.

If you have questions or need directions, please call the cemetery office at (513) 752-1773.