People on Oahu and beyond have several ways to take part in the 15th annual Lantern Floating Hawaii ceremony on Memorial Day at Ala Moana Beach Park.

Organizers said they expect about 40,000 residents and visitors to attend the event, which will begin at 6 p.m. at Magic Island.

More than 5,000 candle-lit lanterns will be set afloat in remembrance of deceased loved ones, or as symbolic prayer for a harmonious and peaceful future, a news release said.

The ceremony, themed "Many Rivers, One Ocean," is sponsored by Shinnyo-en Hawaii and Na Lei Aloha Foundation.

People may obtain a free lantern on which to write personal messages, or fill out forms that will be placed on collective remembrance lanterns to be floated by volunteers.

Lanterns will be available at the lantern request tent beginning at 10 a.m. on May 27. People are asked to limit themselves to one lantern per family or group, the release said.

The public is also invited to submit messages in advance, in person at Shinnyo-en Hawaii at 2348 S. Beretania St. or at www.lanternfloatinghawaii.com. Submissions received from today through Sunday will be printed and placed on a lantern.

A 90-minute program will begin at 6 p.m., featuring Shinnyo Taiko, Kuana Torres Kahele, Halau Hula Kamamolikolehua and the Shinnyo-en Shomyo Ensemble. At 6:45 p.m., Shinso Ito, the holy leader of Shinnyo-en, will address the audience, followed by the lighting of the Light of Harmony.

The public will then be able to set lanterns afloat on the ocean. The lanters will be collected and restored for future use.

Free parking will be available at the Hawai‘i Convention Center from 9 a.m. until midnight. A free shuttle will take people to Ala Moana Beach Park beginning at 3:30 p.m., then back to the convention center from 7:45 p.m.