As an ancient legend goes;

If anyone desires a wish to come true,
they must capture a butterfly and whisper that wish to it.

Since butterflies make no sound,
They can’t tell that wish to anyone but the Great Spirit.

So by making the wish and releasing the butterfly,
It will be taken to the heavens and be granted.

Although this legend implies that we should keep our wishes silent,
there are some wishes that need to be expressed out loud.

To those that have been touched by the disease we are helping to fight today,

We wish the caregivers strength and tranquility,
and thank them for their gifted labor of love.

We wish the survivors a long and happy life,
and thank them for showing us how to fight with courage and determination.

We wish those currently fighting the battle energy and hope,
and thank them for showing us what true bravery is all about.

And finally, we wish the victims peace and love,
and thank them for the joy and happiness they brought to us.

With this symbolic gesture, we honor those that have left us and encourage
those left behind to continue the fight “On the Wings of Hope”.

Ralph Charles Ritchie