A name is spoken, a bell rings, the empty chair remains.
A hat removed in respect, a candle lit in remembrance.
A Mayor listens.
A trumpeter plays taps
A shared voice on a long, cold night.
36 times a bell rang.
An empty chair with an American flag.
Candles flickering in a frigid breeze.
Words of remembrance, hope, sadness, resolution.
Voices raised in song.
A solo trumpeter playing taps.
A tear down a cheek.
A nearly full moon shrouded by clouds.
50 people gathered to remember.
More than half that number gone without a place to call home in the last 12 months.
Veterans saluting lost brothers and sisters in arms.
A prayer, a call to action, a realization the problem has worsened.
Vows to remember, honor and never stop working to end homelessness here.
Editor’s note: Thanks to the Homeless Veterans Committee of Snohomish County for putting this event on every December 21st. If you know of a Veteran who is homeless or needs assistance click here or call 2-1-1.
If you or someone you know is not a veteran but needs assistance with housing, mental health or substance issues click here to reach the Snohomish County Human Services Department.
December 21, 2018
Everett