The anonymous and the lonely are put to rest in a shared grave in Los Angeles
Sharing an emotional message to love, respect and appreciate people while they’re still here, even if we don’t know them, Los Angeles County officials and members of the public took part in an indigent burial ceremony on Thursday morning, Dec. 12.
For almost 130 years the county has conducted an interfaith ceremony for indigent and unclaimed people who died within the county lines. While they strive to identify the dead and reunite them with relations, more than half remain unknown or leave no personal connections to families or friends.
“This is such an amazing tradition (and) to know that we’re going to honor them just speaks to my heart, speaks to my spirit,” said Rev. Chris Ponnet, director of spiritual care with Los Angeles General Medical Center, who knew some of these individuals when they were receiving treatment at the center.