You can light a blue candle on special days and holidays or significant days for your recruit/Sailor or just because you thought of him/her. During BC, it is common to light a blue candle when your recruit is going through Battle Station-21 (BST) to send your warm wishes, thoughts, and prayers to him/her and the others in the division. Some light one when the recruit leaves for RTC and keep it lit until receiving "the box" and/or the form letter. After BC, it is common to light a blue candle when your Sailor is going through training, is taking an advancement exam and/or awaiting the results, or is deployed or in harm's way.

Some use warmers instead of candles since they are safer or post a "blue candle" on their computer. Some change their N4M, fB, or other social network profile picture to a blue candle. You can use any blue candle of your choice. There are candles available at many retailers and at http://www.navyoutfitters.com and other places on the web. Some have used a Navy blue colored candle jar or votive glass so they are able use a candle of another color (perhaps the recruit's/Sailor's favorite color) inside or use a favorite scented candle without it having to be blue. There are anchor candles available at https://www.zazzle.com/navy+anchor+candles.

I used tapers, pillars, and jar candles at times. I left mine unadorned, except maybe adding a ribbon at the base, but many add embellishments such as US Navy candle decals and/or charms. 

Scentsy has a US Navy warmer (available in the Patriot collection), shown below. I considered purchasing one, but at $35 I haven't gotten one even though a portion of the proceeds from the sale of each warmer benefits the military and its programs, but it may prove to be cost effective in the long run for some. I liked the idea of keeping the home fires burning for my loved one who is far away and a warmer just didn't fulfill that for me. I never got one, but if I had it would have been to show my support of the Navy, but probably not for when I wanted to light a blue candle for my Sailor.There are scented candles and unscented candles available from a variety of sources. Some blue candles really don't smell that nice, but there are some with great scents as well. My favorite has been a blueberry pie scented jar candle for its mild berry scent and deep navy color. There are warmers and electric or battery operated "candles" (from http://www.batteryoperatedcandles.net and other sources) to eliminate the hazard of an open flame.

Blue Candle Poem

I will burn my blue candle, and hold my head high.

I will burn my blue candle, and try my best not to cry.

I will burn my blue candle, because he wasn't afraid to take on the world.

I will burn my blue candle, in honor of all those who fight.

I will burn my blue candle, for all those who may or may not be there at dawns early light.

I will burn my blue candle, for every holiday, birthday and anniversary.

I will burn my blue candle, and pray for our Soldiers and Sailors that God has mercy.

I will burn my blue candle, until he comes home.

I will burn my blue candle, so he knows he is never alone.

Author Unknown

(The author may be CharlotteT (Sailor Tori's Mom)--see the entire poem at https://navyformoms.ning.com/group/novemberbootcampfamily?commentId=1971797%3AComment%3A3157647 and https://navyformoms.ning.com/group/pir29jan10?commentId=1971797%3AComment%3A3355537.)

The above is printed on the lid of the candle jar available at http://www.navyoutfitters.com and http://www.cherishedaromas.com.

A NAVY PRAYER

May the Lord shine His love on our Navy Sons and Daughters and bless them and guide them each day and may the Lord bless each of us as we burn this candle in our home and in our hearts. If we can entrust them to the One who created them, we can be at peace because we know that He loves each of those Sailors, and we know how much we love and miss them. 

Author Unknown