Rain drops fell on a muddy cemetery field. Burning sage mixed with the humid air. About 200 people huddled under four canopies, while others carried umbrellas or braved the downpour in jackets.
A Native American group blessed the sacred ground. Then a Hebrew song rang out. A Christian hymn followed, then a Zen Buddhist chant, and a Tongva song and blessing.
These disparate groups, holding various beliefs, came to a Los Angeles County cemetery in East L.A. on Wednesday, Dec. 4, to honor the lives of those who have been forgotten — to let them, for at least one day, be remembered.