Around 70 Painted Lady butterflies were released at a memorial ceremony at HSHS St. John’s Hospital on Thursday afternoon.

Families, and some who came alone, were on the pavilion at Mason St. for the annual event.

Organizer, Valerie Engelbart, says the day is an opportunity for people who are grieving the loss of a loved one to find some closure, remember happy times and even pass a reassuring hug to someone else who is mourning.

The butterflies come from a butterfly ranch in California, are shipped cold, and are fresh when they are released during the ceremony. Some flit away when their tiny white box is opened but many stay to linger for a moment, and some might even pass a brief kiss to a loved one as they go.