The Prince William County Sheriff’s Office held its annual Unclaimed Citizens Ceremony at Dumfries Cemetery on Wednesday, November 10, in Dumfries.
Among the attendees was Prince William County Sheriff’s Office Chaplain, Donald Belanus, who presided over the event. This ceremony provided a permanent resting place for 15 deceased residents of Prince William County, and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park who went unclaimed by their family members or had no next of kin.
Last year, the Sheriff’s Office Unclaimed Citizens Ceremony was canceled due to the pandemic.
To provide a dignified burial for the deceased residents, the Prince William County Sheriff’s Office contracts with several funeral homes for cremation. In partnership with Joye Nichols, Dumfries Cemetery caretaker, each unclaimed resident was provided with a burial plot and container to hold the remains at no cost. Without the generosity of Nichols, those unclaimed residents would not have a burial plot for their final resting place.
Sheriff Glendell Hill expressed his gratitude to the individuals involved in making the event possible and stated, “I believe everyone should be treated with dignity and respect. Just because someone has no identifiable next of kin, doesn’t mean they deserve to be left behind.”
Through partnerships with local businesses and the community, the Prince William County Sheriff’s Office can honor those deceased residents with a proper burial, so they truly are not left behind. The cremated remains buried include residents who died from natural causes.
Those individuals are Carlos Barahona, Mary Coile, Florence Eiermann, John Fisher, James Ford, Mahmoud Kadkhodazadeh, Lamar Kelpy, Sang Ki Kim, Scott Koep, Eber Rivera, Sally Ann Rosen, Brian Rotty, Sun Shedrick, Robert Sullivan, and Austin White.
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A Night on the Riviera
Experience a magical evening at the Embassy of France with A Night on the Riviera, an event that will transport you to the glamour of the French Riviera while celebrating the vibrant spirit of Mardi Gras!
Indulge in an exquisite selection of French wines and champagne, paired with the finest French cuisine prepared by the talented Chef of the Embassy of France. Additionally, Chef Hugh Cossard will be carving ham live, ensuring freshness and exceptional flavor. Don’t miss out on the authentic French crêpes, made to order and sure to transport you straight to the streets of Nice.
For those seeking an extra touch of exclusivity, the VIP experience includes unlimited champagne, adding an extra layer of sophistication to this festive celebration.
Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
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