WHEELING, W.Va. — Valley Hospice welcomed families and community members to Wheeling Park on Wednesday evening for its annual Memorial Butterfly Release, an event dedicated to honoring the lives of loved ones who have passed away.
The annual gathering offers those experiencing grief an opportunity to come together for remembrance, reflection and support. The evening began with music and moments of reflection before participants gathered outdoors to release butterflies in memory of those they have lost.
Valley Hospice CEO Andrea Hale said the event brings together people at many different stages of their grief journey.
Some attendees return each year after Valley Hospice cared for a family member, while others participate simply to honor someone special in their lives, regardless of whether hospice services were involved.
Hale said the butterfly release serves as a meaningful reminder that healing is often strengthened through the support of a caring community.
Valley Hospice has served the Ohio Valley for more than four decades, and organizers say the annual event continues to grow as more families take part in the tradition of remembrance.
The butterfly release remains one of the organization’s signature community events, offering comfort, hope and a chance to celebrate the lives of those who are remembered.
