Father burns self after learning of Marine
son's death in Najaf

by
Hector Carreon
La Voz de Aztlan

Los Angeles, Alta California - August 25, 2004 - (ACN) Every American family with loved ones fighting in Iraq dread that knock on the door by US soldiers in formal uniforms. Costa Rican immigrant Carlos Arredondo, age 44, of Hollywood, Florida got that knock on his door today by three US Marines.

The three marines got off their military van and proceeded to the home of the father of 20 year old Lance Cpl. Alejandro Arredondo. The marines assigned to these sad duties are well trained and have a lot of practice. One stands in front flanked by two others. Their uniforms are spotless and their brass buttons shine like gold. They wear super white gloves and the lead soldier carries a certificate. "We regret to inform you that . . . " are usually the first words said to the family. Most of the times these notifications are routine but not this time.

20 year old victim of US occupation of Iraq -Alejandro Arredondo

Carlos Arredondo, after being notified that his first born had been killed in the Holy City of Najaf yesterday, quietly went to the garage, got a lighter and some gasoline. He then walked to the US Marine Corps van, doused it with the gasoline and locked himself inside. He then lit the van and himself. The three US Marines were unable to stop him.

The distraught father was taken to the major burn unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami where he is listed in serious condition with severe burns to 50% of his body.

This incident is reminiscent of many self torchings that occurred during the Vietnam War. Buddhist monks would doused themselves with gasoline and torch themselves in the streets of Saigon in protest of the war. That war ultimately ended in shame for the US and nothing was ever attained except the deaths of over 53, 000 US soldiers and over 280,000 more injured and maimed. Today, the USA is making the same error in Iraq.