Bagpipes rang out as King County officials and community members gathered last week to memorialize 626 people whose remains were unclaimed or whose families could not afford funeral services.
The ashes were laid to rest in July at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Renton, but religious leaders from different faiths lined up on this fall day to read out the names of the deceased.
“Our presence today proclaims the message that our sisters and brothers will never be forgotten,” said Joel Ingebritson, the lead chaplain for Seattle Fire Department and King County Sheriff’s Office. “We have the privilege and the opportunity, as the family of King County, to give thanks for each of these 626 individuals.”…