As the program’s format remains the same, so does the warmth and good feeling that comes from the annual Lights of Love ceremony. Held at Inova Mount Vernon Hospital last weekend, it featured holiday songs by Cleve Francis, M.D.; musical selections by local school groups; readings by local schoolchildren; and the lighting of the tree.
Barney Barnwell, president of the Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Auxiliary, welcomed the crowd and Melbourne Bailey, pastor from Woodlawn United Methodist Church, said a prayer.
Singing this year were members of the Mount Vernon Madrigal Singers, led by Kevin Sapp, director, and the West Potomac Soundsations, led by Ernest Johnson, director. Reading their elementary school essays were: Eric McCargo, Woodlawn Elementary School; Emma Lehner, Fort Hunt Elementary School; and Kadijah Waller, Woodley Hills Elementary School. They all wrote about who they dedicated a Light of Love to.
The highlight of the evening, as it has been for the past 22 years, was the singing of the dedication song, “Light Up the Night,” and the flipping of the switch that turns on the Christmas tree lights.
<1b>— Gale Curcio