CARMEL, NY - Putnam County Executive Kevin Byrne declared October 15 Pregnancy, Infant, and Child Loss Remembrance Day in Putnam County with an official proclamation followed by a candlelight vigil at the county’s Veterans Memorial Park. Departmental representatives, families, and local and regional care providers gathered in front of the park’s “Angel of Hope,” a bronze statue dedicated in 2003 to parents who have suffered the loss of a child. This was Putnam County’s first-ever official Remembrance Day ceremony.

As a member of the state Assembly, Byrne co-sponsored and helped pass resolutions proclaiming October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day in New York State. There are approximately 6.3 million perinatal deaths (miscarriage, stillbirth, ectopic pregnancy, and neonatal loss) every year around the world, according to a 2010 study authored by Dr. Vincent De Brouwere.

“By designating October 15 as Pregnancy, Infant, and Child Loss Remembrance Day, Putnam County sends a message that we stand with families in remembrance, compassion, and solidarity as a community of support and empathy,” said Byrne.

Full video of ceremony here