MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. -- Col. Matthew Fritz, 92nd Air Refueling Wing vice commander, spoke at the Missing in America Interment Service at Washington State Cemetery in Medical Lake. The remains of 62 veterans were finally laid to rest with full military honors.
“Today, we are welcoming home our brothers and sisters who, through no fault of their own, have lost their way,” said Fritz. “Rather than languishing unknown and unclaimed on the shelves of mortuaries and hospitals, we are bringing them home to be honored, remembered and laid to rest.”
The purpose of the Missing In America Project is to locate, identify and inter the unclaimed remains of American veterans through the joint efforts of private, state and federal organizations. To provide honor and respect to those who have served this country by securing a final resting place for these forgotten heroes.
“These formerly forgotten teammates sacrificed to protect America and the American way of life during times of war and peace,” Fritz said. “We honor the brave men and women who have proudly served this great nation.”
In August the remains of 62 veterans were collected from around the state and were escorted to the Washington State Cemetery by Missing In America Project volunteers. The escort included more than 100 motorcyclists from across the state.
For more information on the Missing In America Project visit: www.miap.us.