The candle lighting ceremony is of great significance, for it is the point at which nursing students publicly dedicate the rest of their lives to altruism.
Altruism is an unselfish devotion to the welfare of others.
Symbolically, the candles are representations of the Turkish lanterns carried by Florence Nightingale during the Crimean War of the 1800's. Florence Nightingale is considered the founder of the modern nursing profession and it is said that she carried her torch of light to guide her in the direction of the pleas for mercy coming from the sick and dying solders long after other nurses had retired from their day's work. It is in memory of her devotion to others that we light our candles. As each of you step forward to light your candle of service to others, you are, from that moment forward, accepting the privileges and responsibilities of the nursing profession. Always keep your torch burning brightly in your heart, shield it from wayward winds and never let it grow dim.