PHOTOS: Grief and fond memories shared at Reflections on the River

As the sun fell Thursday evening, hundreds of Salemites gathered at Riverfront Park to reflect, grieve and share stories.

The annual Reflections on the River event, organized by hospice provider Willamette Vital Health, included 4,600 luminarias to memorialize family and friends who have died.

The luminarias made a mandala spiraling across the park’s grass, lighting up the night as a cappella performers with the Threshold Singers serenaded the crowd.