Fort Bragg, N.C. -- Womack Army Medical Center's (WAMC) Department of Ministry and Addressing Grief and Pursuing Enrichment (AGAPE) support group hosted its 9th Annual "Walk to Remember," at WAMC to support the National Observance of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, Oct. 21.
The Walk to Remember is commemorated with an annual one-mile memorial walk and ceremony in tribute to Families who have experienced the loss of a child through miscarriage, stillbirth or the death of a newborn child. The walk route began at the Reilly Road entrance of WAMC and ended at the angel memorial, on the north side of WAMC near the dining facility.
The memorial ceremony began with opening remarks from Col. Ronald Stephens, WAMC commander. He reflected on his own Family's loss due to miscarriage and the effects it held.
"To all the moms who have had a miscarriage, you are not alone" said Stevens.
The approximate one million pregnancies ending prematurely in the U.S. yearly encouraged President Ronald Reagan, in 1988, to proclaim October as the National Observance. It serves as an opportunity for Families to remember and honor their baby, as well as, journey through the experience of their loss.
"Everyone grieves differently, there is no timeframe on grief," said Chaplain (Capt.) Lisa Williamson, WAMC Department of Ministry. "You are a mother or a father and I am here to walk alongside you, no matter how long ago your loss."
About 90 parents and Family members participated in the walk to support each other and to honor the lives of the children they have lost.
For more information about AGAPE, call the Department of Ministry and Pastoral Care at 910-907-7729 or visit agape-group.blogspot.com.
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