Today, as we welcome the Baton of Hope, we say:
With every hand that carries the Baton,
a sacred fingerprint of hope is placed upon the world —
a mark of love, of courage, and of remembrance.
This Baton is more than a symbol.
It is a promise.
It carries the voices of those we have lost,
reminding us that though their journey has ended,
their light still guides our steps.
Today, as we walk together,
we carry not only a Baton,
but the memories of those we hold dear.
Each life, precious beyond measure,
calls us to continue —
to speak their names,
to honour their stories,
and to answer loss not with silence…
but with love.
Every stride is a vow:
that we will not turn away,
that we will stand together,
that we will bring compassion,
offer courage,
and renew our promise to build a world of hope.
As the Baton passes hand to hand,
let it remind us of this truth:
None of us walks alone.
Hope travels with us.
Love surrounds us.
Together… we walk in remembrance.
Together… we walk for change.
Together… we walk in hope.