This is the season for lights – strands and strands of lights wrapped on trees, bushes, and around housetops; candles lit in windows and on tables; twinkling stars set atop trees.

Next week, one group in Russellville will give everyone an opportunity to light a different kind of light – a light that represents peace in our world, our nation and in our homes and that honors those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for peace.

The annual “Every Light a Prayer for Peace” ceremony, sponsored by the Cultura Garden Club, will take place on the steps of the Franklin County Courthouse in Russellville on Thursday, Dec. 4, at 4:30 p.m.

The purpose of this ceremony is to remember and honor our active military and our veterans who have fought to bring peace to our nation.

This annual event, conducted by Alabama Garden Clubs throughout the state, has been celebrated since its inception on Dec. 1, 1951, during the Korean War. The songs, prayers, devotion, and candle-lighting service honor the many who make sacrifices for peace. A similar ceremony is even celebrated on the steps of the state capitol in Montgomery.

All active and former military are invited to a reception from 3:30-4:15 inside the courthouse before the ceremony. They will be escorted to a place of honor when the ceremony begins at 4:30 on the steps of the courthouse.

Choruses from Russellville Elementary, Middle, and High School will perform with musical selections that reflect the sentiments of peace on earth. Cultura Garden Club members will pass out white candles to be lit after a special reading and during the song “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”

The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which takes place before the Russellville Christmas parade. Everyone is encouraged to take a moment out of their busy Christmas season to stop, to reflect, and to honor those who have made personal sacrifices to help bring peace to our world.