We Invite You ...

The FOP community is a family. As a family, we share both joyful and difficult moments. There is a lot of meaningful caring and support in all we experience together. Last year we offered our first Celebration of Life and Memorial Butterfly Release in support of those who have lost someone they hold near and dear to their heart. As a community, we came together from around the globe to celebrate the lives of 55 loved ones who have passed away.

Join us again this year on National Grief Awareness Day on August 30, at 7 pm ET, to honor and remember our loved ones and friends with FOP who have passed away.

This special event will be a virtual meeting held on Zoom, and while we won’t be together physically we heard from participants who joined us last year that the event is a meaningful opportunity to come together and benefit from the support and understanding of our close-knit community.

About the Event

A celebration of life is a helpful part of the grieving process, whether your loss is recent or long ago. Coming together in this way encourages healing and strengthens our connectedness with each other and with those who live on in our hearts. Sharon Neumann, Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist and sibling of IFOPA founding member Nancy Sando, will host the program.

It will include:

• A brief explanation of the importance of memorializing and celebrating those we have lost and it's role in our grief processing
• An introduction to the monarch butterfly journey and why it can be a beautiful way to celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed on
• A recording of the pre-filmed butterfly release including the reading of names and release of butterflies for those who choose to purchase a butterfly for their loved one
• A closing opportunity for reflection and connection where attendees can see and hear from one another through sharing of memories.

Be Part of this Loving Remembrance The deadline to purchase a butterfly to be released in celebration of a belated loved one has passed. However, you can still participate in the event by registering to join for the live program and submitting a photo of a loved one which we will feature at the beginning and end of the event. If you have questions, please contact Hope Newport at +1 785-294-1607 or [email protected].