“They may be gone but they are not alone,” Daniel Gebregiorgis said of his nieces, nephews and sister.
That was the common message from the families of the Fremont fire victims who were far from alone on Friday. Hundreds of people turned out for a memorial service at Key Arena including elected officials, religious leaders, and even perfect strangers.
“I didn’t know the families but the story broke my heart,” said Tina Curtison of Queen Anne. “I had the chance to walk down here to pay my respects and decided it was the right thing to do.”
Half an hour before the service for Eyerusalem Gebregiorgis, 22, Joseph Gebregiogis, 13, Nyella Smith, 7, Nisreen Shamam, 6, and Yaseen Shaman who had just turned 5, some people in the crowd were already overcome by grief. Sobs could be heard throughout the arena, and some family members had to leave the service once emotions got too raw.
“Our family has never felt a blow like this one,” one relative told the crowd as he talked about the victims. “Rest in peace where you began back in heaven.”
The first word of English wasn’t spoken until almost one hour into the service, but people from all races and backgrounds sat together to watch the moving tributes from Ethiopian choirs and bishops. Multiple languages were used, but the message was almost always the same.
“Your sorrow is our sorrow,” said Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn. “Your grief is Seattle’s grief. We are and we will be one community.”
Seattle Fire Chief Gregory Dean was also in the crowd along with several members of the fire department. Family members thanked them and the entire city for the outpouring of support they’ve received.
The service ended with an emotional slideshow with each victim memorialized on the Key Arena scoreboard, along with a final word from family and friends.
“On a Saturday morning in mid June, our angel gathered up her nieces and nephew like she always does and found her peace as she took the steps up to heaven,” said one speaker about Eyerusalem Gebregiorgis. “Her memory dwells forever.”
An account has been set up at Bank of America to donate money to the families. It’s called the Seattle Children’s Fire Fund. A booth is being set up at this weekend’s Fremont Fair where you can also make donations.