How a Gold Star Family Spends Memorial day

We remember - Family Honors the Dead for Third year in Boston

by Melida Arredondo

It's a family effort. Brian, Carlos, and I this year dedicated ourselves on both Sunday May 25th and Monday 26th of 2008 to remember those who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

We highlighted eight men from Boston who have died by placing their names on white crosses with their birthdates, the neighborhood they lived in and the country where they died. Hundreds of people stopped to pay their respect, thank us for the display and ask questions. Very few people realized that eight local men had died from the City of Boston. Their names are Kyran Kennedy, David Connolly, Alberto Montraud, Joan Duran, Daniel Londano, Edgardo Zayas, Gregroy Wright and our beloved Alex Arredondo. Many people did not realize that these men represented not just the US in their service but that their backgrounds were Dominican, Colombian, Costa Rican, Jamaican, Irish, Polish and Cape Verdean.

We then painstakingly placed the names and pictures of all of the Massachusetts servicemen and women who had been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan around the one block monument - with flags, flowers, pictures and artwork. We also included the often forgotten. A red cross was placed for Jeff Lucey from Belchertown, Massachusetts who committed suicide after returning from Iraq. (We had the good fortune of having his parents visit the memorial to him.) A blue cross with the POW/MIA flag was placed for Alex Jimenez from Lawrence, Massachusetts with has been missing in Iraq since May of 2007.

Carlos could not forget the Iraqis and placed plain wooden crosses with a variety of shoes at the monument to honor the innocents caught in the cross fire of warfare. He also placed symbols with Gold Stars hanging from trees to remember the grief of the families of those who had died.

My husband began this tradition Memorial Day of 2006. As a family we had collected so much of Alex's personal effects and honors that he decided it was wrong not to share with the public on Memorial Day - the day we all are to remember.

As a child, the revolutionary war monument located at the corner of South and Centre was a place he would visit or pass daily. Across the street, Alex would run and swim with his Dad and brother Brian at Curtis Hall, a couple blocks away he would take Capoeira lessons at the fire house and in the fall, the world's fair would begin at the monument. For this part of Boston, the JP monument was and continues to be a focus point to this neighborhood.

Brian, Alex's younger brother, greeted many people this weekend as they approached, offered a handshake and answered questions about the display. Now at 21, I watched him be himself - a gentleman who honors his brother by sharing stories about Alex with strangers who he knows as neighbors. My husband did the same and also shared information he knew about the many other troops that were commemorated.

Many other military families, veterans and Boston neighbors would stop to decorate, leave flowers, provide memoribilia or help when it came time to take everything down. My husband's actions have turned into a true community experience that is now a dynamic and interactive tradition.

http://www.bostonherald.com/search/?topic=+Arredondo&searchSite=recent&x=9&y=12

Photo by Angela Rowlings from the Boston Herald

Remembering: Melida Arredondo and her husband, Carlos (not pictured), of Roslindale make a large memorial to Carlos’ son, Alexander, and other casualties of the Iraq war, at The Monument in Jamaica Plain yesterday.

What they teach us Memorial Day

Everyone is on another path than the one we should be on. So many I feel have forgotten the path we should be on this weekend. We should be remembering the ones who were so brave they were willing to die for us. We should be remembering they did die for us. It's the least we can do for such a gift given to us....remembering them. Please take time to remember them.... They have much to teach us. We need to learn the lessons of their death.

We are consumed with this election. I do know we need to pay attention on what goes on so we can do better for ourselves in our future. Today I want to talk about our roller coaster ride were on and how we have the choice to do better for all of us so we don't have to live through this again. So we can stop killing people, killing ourselves.

It's all up to us - we the people - we have the power

*****************************

I could get really deep about things. I just want you to think so I'm going to try to keep it simple. We have the power to change. To stop making so many we remember on Memorial Day.

I tell my children all the time they have choices with their actions. When I have to punish them for doing wrong I tell them "you do good, you get good. You do bad, you get bad" so they know it's the choices they make in life that decide what they will receive, good or bad. We have choices on a personal level and also as a human race. Lately we have been given the choices we have made. We've been given a whole lot of bad. It's our choice to change things, to make them better.

Life is a roller coaster ride. There are always ups and downs. The ups are what life is really about. This gift we have been given (life) is meant to learn from our past, our downs -our lows, so that we can stay on the top of the roller coaster as much as possible.

We haven't learn our lessons of the past. I am living the same in my adult life as I did in the days of my youth. We are in a so called war killing people. We all let this happen. We together have the power to stop this from happening but we haven't learn our lessons of the past thus they are repeating themselves. I hope this time we can learn our lessons so we keep these young kids who we hear about every day with us.

We have the power when we do the right thing. When we pay attention and get involved with those who make the decisions. We have the power in using the precious time given to us to action. I believe we are awaking the nation because there are more of us putting their time to action.

We've hit the low part of the roller coaster. We are on the ride back up. Depending on us will decide how long we stay on top. When we make the right choices good things will happen - for all of us.

This part isn't about the election but what we are doing together - as a people. What we can do when we come together and do the right thing. It's not about OB being our next President. It's about us getting involved. Knowing in our hearts we are doing the right thing for all of us. It's about the power of the people. Thousands are showing up to OB's events. They aren't showing up for OB - he's just a person. They are showing up because they know the power we have together. We are starved to make things better.

This is the lesson we will learn this time. Linking OB to JFK - Iraq war to Nam. We can learn our lessons of the past.

We can learn from their death. We are walking down this path again. We the people together can do great things. We can stay on top of the roller coaster as long as we want. We don't have to hit the bottom so hard in our future.

When we remember them they live on
They joined the military to make things better for us
Honor them by keeping them alive, by being their voices

It's our choice to learn the lessons of their death....their gift to us

I pray for peace in all humans that the love is so strong between us so we don't have the desire to kill one another....

Enjoy your moments - for them. Life is precious.

Be thankful you have your family with you and don't have to spend your Memorial Day like this.

Dear friends,

In the next couple of weeks, Congress will vote on whether to provide the Bush administration with more than a hundred billion dollars MORE for the war. Five years is five years too many and the projected three TRILLION dollar price tag for the war in Iraq is three trillion dollars too much! If you agree, please join me, countless other Americans, United for Peace and Justice, the Win Without War coalition and allies in telling Congress to stop funding the military occupation of Iraq.

Click here to sign the letter: http://www.unitedforpeace.org/openletter

The signatures on this petition will be forwarded to Congress on Monday, April 21, so please sign today! And spread the word!

5 years is long enough - A letter from Congressman Wexler

5 years of this invasion is enough. We must honor those who would give their life for our country by bringing them home to their families.

May we start thinking of ourselves as people who live on earth with others just like ourselves and not rulers of the planet.

May peace be inside all of us!

Dear **,

This evening will mark 5 years since President Bush officially launched his ill-conceived preemptive invasion of Iraq. (To watch my new video on the 5 Year Anniversary click here.)

At the beginning of this war, whether we agreed with it or not, Congress and the American people saluted the brave service of the men and women of our military.

Today, five years later, it is well past time that we truly honor this service by bringing all American troops home from Iraq. This war has affected the lives of so many American families. The stories we hear from our friends, family members, and co-workers are truly heartbreaking – from the tragic losses of life and devastating injuries, to those who have returned but still suffer mental trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Many of us personally know one of the 4,000 soldiers who have died or one of nearly 40,000 Americans who have been wounded.

Many of us have a friend or family member who has had to suffer repeated 15-month tours – separated from family and often with little break in between assignments.

Beyond the personal losses that so many have endured, now all Americans are feeling the financial effects of the war, as the fruits of our economy (nearly $500 billion to date) are drained into this never-ending engagement. Just imagine the investments that could have been made if this money was spent here at home, rather than fueling this massive war machine half a world away.

This tragedy extends to innocent Iraqis as well. From children to their teachers, shopkeepers to waiters – even the low estimates of Iraqi civilian deaths are near 90,000. Some estimate the death toll to be in the hundreds of thousands.

Americans will sacrifice a great deal to protect our national security and to bring peace to troubled regions of the world. But what have we gained for all of our sacrifices in Iraq? Today, we are more vulnerable then ever with a rebuilding Al Qaeda, a resurgent Iran, and a totally destabilized Iraq.

Even worse, President Bush and Vice-President Cheney brought us into this calamity in Iraq based on deliberate lies and misdirection. The Bush Administration misled Congress and the American people with false claims of Iraqi nuclear weapons, Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, and Iraqi relations with Al Qaeda. These lies were fed with great enthusiasm by those who stood to benefit financially and politically from this war.

We must renew our call for a dramatic change of course. Last week in Congress, I introduced a resolution that condemns the Bush Administration for this unnecessary war and calls for an immediate redeployment of troops. (Click here to read the resolution.) Please contact your Member of Congress and urge them to co-sponsor this important resolution.

It is time to confront the stark reality of our situation.

First, the so-called "success of the surge" is as big a lie as the falsehoods that began the war itself. This is confirmed by General Petraeus' own conclusion earlier this week that political reconciliation has not occurred in Iraq.

Second, our economy can no longer sustain the cost of this war. Remember, no previous war has been waged while simultaneously offering tax cuts to the wealthy.

And finally, to date, we have still not held the Administration accountable for the countless lies that led to the war itself. As you know, I have aggressively advocated for impeachment hearings for Vice President Cheney to hold him accountable for his numerous misdeeds in relation to this war.

Please know that I hear your voices loud and clear. I strongly urge you to continue your vital activism on these issues and together we can bring about change.

Sincerely,


Congressman Robert Wexler




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Alex Arredondo's First Letter Home

There have been many families who have members in the military. Few have members taking away from them.

I wish we would only use our military when they are needed. Not for the use for power and money. I wish these kids would be used in this way - they give their life to us.

Thank you to all how have given their life to protect our country.

Thank you Alex.....

Mom & Dad,

Today is Sunday, January 19, 2003. I've been out at sea for three days now and I'm starting to feel better. The first two days I was completely sick from seasickness and some virus. So far everyday I come outside the skin of the ship and write letters, whale watch, (which isn't that great cause I haven't seen any but there are plenty of dolphins that swim along side the ship), watch the horizon and sunset, etc. This seams so unreal to me. I've never seen water this BLUE before, I've never looked 360 degrees around me and seen nothing but water, clouds, the sun and a Fleet of Battleships surrounding me. Tomorrow is one of my many , many training days on ship to prepare me for my mission. I will also be training a short time in Kuwait. This is hard for me to comprehend. It seems like my whole life changed in an instant. Yesterday I was in a classroom learning about trigonometry and history. I graduated, went to boot camp, went to school, graduated as a GRUNT. I was sent across the country to train. Now I'm being sent across the world to fight. Today I am in a classroom learning about Tactical Urban Combat and Nuclear, Biological and chemical warfare. In the middle of the Pacific Ocean, on my way to experience 1st hand what I am learning about. I am not afraid of dying. I am more afraid of what will happen to all the ones that I love if something happens to me. Soon enough I will be in the desert, outside in the city of Bagdad, in full combat gear, ready to carry out my mission. Wondering how this all happened so fast, Wishing I was back home going to school, dating Shelia, taking care of my family. Although I think this way now I am almost certain that if I didn't walk this path I would be wondering to myself "why didn't I make the other decision. Why didn't I walk the path of a proud warrior, a marine." Just because I wonder "what if" doesn't mean I'm not proud, it doesn't mean I feel like I made the wrong decision. It doesn't mean I have any regrets. I'm still proud to be fighting for mycountry. I feel like, If I'm not helping one way I should still do all that I can to help (OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM). I'm on a time back now. I need to send this letter in the next hour for it to get to you by Tuesday or Wednesday. I love you both very much and I wish I could keep writing but I got to go. LOVE YOU. PFC ARREDONDO/ UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

A note to Brian his brother:

WHATS UP BRIAN, I feel so lucky to be blessed with the chance to defend my country 6 months after I joined the military. Some Marines have been in for over 20 years and still haven't seen combat. I'm also lucky to have such a wonderful family. I know how much you love me and support me and that keeps me going along with a few other things. Is Jeanette babysitting for Mom? LOVE YOU BROTHER Your Big Brother - Private First Class Arredondo USMC

August 25, 2004

Lance Corporal Arredondo served as Fire Team Leader during the Battalion's attack into the old cith of Najaf. As the Platoon attacked to clear a four-story hotel, it was heavily engaged by enemy machine gun and sniper fire from three different directions. Lance Corporal Arredondo returned fire exposing himself to great risk to ensure the members of his team were safe. After fearlessly exchanging fire with the enemy snipers for more than three hours, Lance Corporal Arredondo fell mortally wounded as he moved through the rooms to inspect the Marines' defensive position.

Remember Us - Documentary tells of war families' pain

By John R. Ellement Globe Staff / November 10, 2007

Carlos Arrendondo's pain and the life and death of his Marine son, Lance Corporal Alexander Arredondo, are not part of a new documentary about families from New England that lost loved ones in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

But Arrendondo was at Northeastern University in Boston last night, watching a preview of the 90-minute New England Cable News documentary. He came at the invitation of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, who had invited dozens of others like Arredondo.

"It's important for the community to see and remember all of our sons and daughters who paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Arredondo, of Roslindale.

"No matter what their position is on the war, we have the same pain," he said.

The documentary, produced by NECN executive editor Iris Adler and titled, "Remember Us," will be broadcast tomorrow night at 7 in honor of Veteran's Day, said Philip S. Balboni, founder of NECN.

In opening remarks, Balboni said he is a Vietnam-era veteran and wished that "I could say all of our fellow citizens remember our sacrifice, but I think we know the honest answer is many do not," he said. "And that is what motivated us at NECN to produce 'Remember Us,' so we can honor and remember those who have died in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan."

The state's senior senator, accompanied by his wife, Victoria Reggie Kennedy, met privately with the dozens of family members who came from across New England.

The survivors and deployed military families are invited to Gillette Stadium on Dec. 10 for an event supported by the New England Patriots and the Jeffrey Coombs Memorial Foundation, named after an Abington man killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. More information is available at jeffcoombsfund.org.

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Carlos Arredondo Beat up at the DC protest by the pro war/pro killing people

This was just sent to me by Melida:

http://www.michaelmoore.com/mustread/index.php?id=919

Carlos Arredondo, 47 year old father of two sons, arrived in the nation's capitol on Monday, 09/10/07 to share a memorial he has made to honor for his eldest son, Alex. Carlos has visited thirty of the United States with the traveling memorial to his son Alexander. Lcpl. Alexander S. Arredondo, USMC was killed on 08/25/04. He was 20 years and 20 days old. The memorial consists of a casket, poster- size photographs of Alex when he graduated from boot camp, before his second tour in Iraq, lying in state at his wake, and a photo of Alex with his younger brother Brian.

Saturday, September 15, 2007 consisted of first a rally, a march towards the capitol and then a die-in. Carlos pulled the memorial along the march route approaching the rotunda near the capitol building. Several of the marchers requested for him to speak about the memorial where a crowd gathered around him. After finishing, several people walked with Carlos as he pulled the memorial. Several pictures of Alex dressed in his blues were attached to the display.

As Carlos passed counter protesters, one man ripped a picture of Alex from the memorial. Carlos leaped on the man to retrieve the picture. It was at that point that approximately five others all began to attack Carlos by kicking him in the head, legs, stomach and back.

The Capitol police bicycle patrol then appeared to break up the fight. Several officers including a female officer were engaged in breaking up the fight and were able to stop any further injuries from occurring. Hannah Jones who was walking with Carlos was also assaulted.

A bystander named Ramesh witnessed the whole encounter and also retrieved the picture of Alex for Carlos. He was quite distressed at how he watched the men yelling epithets follow Carlos as he pulled the memorial, and eventually take Alex's photograph. Soon, an ambulance showed up as well as many concerned activists. The paramedics provided first aid to Carlos but he did not seek further medical attention. Carlos sustained bloody cuts on his shins. He also reported bruises all over his torso and head where he was kicked.

I will send updates on Carlos and his work in DC as I am able.

Viedo of Carlos Arredondo and why he shares Alex with you

Video I found of my neighbor Carlos. He talks about the day he set fire to the van. A day I will never forget. You can still see the burn marks in our road.
May peace be inside all of us,
Cindy

Carlos Arredondo at DC antiwar protest yesterday

CARLOS ARREDONDO walking with his son Alex in the end the war march on DC September 15, 2007. I can only imagine what the other side of the divide had to say to him when they saw his him carrying his flag upside down. I had my flag on my house upside down for a long time ~ a few people left me nasty messages in my mail box.
The other side of the divide wants to keep killing people for no good reason. I think these people would follow George Bush off a cliff just because he is their "President".

May peace be inside all of us - May we support our troops by saving their lives and bringing them home to their families. The other side of the divide has no problems killing our troops for their own security. If they don't kill our troops they will kill us....right other side of the divide?

Thousands march in D.C. war protest

By MATTHEW BARAKAT, Associated Press Writer

Several thousand anti-war demonstrators marched through downtown Washington on Saturday, clashing with police at the foot of the Capitol steps where more than 190 protesters were arrested.

The group marched from the White House to the Capitol to demand an end to the Iraq war. Their numbers stretched for blocks along Pennsylvania Avenue, and they held banners and signs and chanted, "What do we want? Troops out. When do we want it? Now."

Army veteran Justin Cliburn, 25, of Lawton, Okla., was among a contingent of Iraq veterans in attendance.

"We're occupying a people who do not want us there," Cliburn said of Iraq. "We're here to show that it isn't just a bunch of old hippies from the 60s who are against this war."

Counterprotesters lined the sidewalks behind metal barricades. There were some heated shouting matches between the two sides.

The arrests came after protesters lay down on the Capitol lawn in what they called a "die in" — with signs on top of their bodies to represent soldiers killed in Iraq. When police took no action, some of the protesters started climbing over a barricade at the foot of the Capitol steps.

Many were arrested without a struggle after they jumped over the waist-high barrier. But some grew angry as police with shields and riot gear attempted to push them back. At least two people were showered with chemical spray. Protesters responded by throwing signs and chanting: "Shame on you."

The number of arrests by Capitol Police on Saturday was much higher than previous anti-war rallies in Washington this year. Five people were arrested at a protest outside the Pentagon in March when they walked onto a bridge that had been closed off to accommodate the demonstration, then refused to leave. And at a rally in January, about 50 demonstrators blocked a street near the Capitol, but they were dispersed without arrests.

The protesters gathered earlier Saturday near the White House in Lafayette Park with signs saying "End the war now" and calling for President Bush's impeachment. The rally was organized by the ANSWER Coalition and other groups.

Organizers estimated that nearly 100,000 people attended the rally and march. That number could not be confirmed; police did not give their own estimate. A permit for the march obtained in advance by the ANSWER Coalition had projected 10,000.

Anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan told the crowd is was time to be assertive.

"It's time to lay our bodies on the line and say we've had enough," she said. "It's time to shut this city down."

About 13 blocks away, nearly 1,000 counterprotesters gathered near the Washington Monument, frequently erupting in chants of "U-S-A" and waving American flags.

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Robert "Buzz" Patterson, speaking from a stage to crowds clad in camouflage, American flag bandanas and Harley Davidson jackets, said he wanted to send three messages.

"Congress, quit playing games with our troops. Terrorists, we will find you and kill you," he said. "And to our troops, we're here for you, and we support you."

MORE PHOTOS HERE




The other side of the divide

The people who have to kill for their own security

UPDATE:
They think they are better then any other. You have to read their words. If you aren't like them your not and American, your not supporting our troops. They way I see it is they could care less about our troops our they wouldn't let them be used the way they are - for the love of power and money, mostly money. Again, these people would follow Bush off the cliff to their death and take all of us with them because of their own lack of knowledge of compassion for other humans.

Blogs from the other side of the divide read their word. See for yourself.
They think they are the best humans on this earth
Man these people are twisted. They twist things. First of all from all the stories I've read there were only 150 pro war/pro killing people with 10-15,000 who stand of the side of peace. For years there has been the 30-32% who want to kill and torture people. These people will never change no matter how many freedoms and rights you take away from there. There are 72-78% of our country who know the truth and will never vote for more killing. More than half this country wants to Impeach the war criminals.
And, I knew someone would say something about the upside down flag. Our country is in distress which is why Carlos carries it upside down. I feel Alex is very proud of his father for his actions. Alex was asking questions at the time of his death. He knew what they were being asked to do was wrong. Carlos is expressing Alex from the grave. He doesn't want anyone to forget Alex. He has the freedom to express his and Alex's views any way he wants. After all, he is his parent. Who knows you better than your parents?

The 30% pro war meets the 70% against the war. Video of the mean and nasty people




May peace be inside all of us,
Cindy

Carlos Arredondo in DC with the mean and nasty people called Gathering of Eagles

There's a big march on DC again this weekend to end the war. Carlos Arredondo and Cindy Sheehan and all the peace people are there along with the other side of the divide.

You have to read the article from these mean and nasty people. Listen to the words used by them. These people are selfish and full of fear wanting to kill the next person just because they are different than them. It is really unbelievable to me the way these people think. All the damage done to our country and these people eat up all the propaganda sold to them.

Our country can only be destroyed from within. With all the freedoms taken from us, there are those who say it has to be done for their security. Their misguided security.

I was in DC 2 years ago along with 300,000 who wanted to end the war and here we are 2 years later with so many more lives gone. We kill others because the very small group called Gathering of the Eagles live in fear and spew their hate.

If you can get to DC this weekend do it. It will be an experience that will energize you for a long time. If you see Carlos go talk to him about Alex.

May peace be inside all of us,
Cindy

A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition Press Conference

As one of the many media representatives at today’s press conference said, prefacing a question to Cindy Sheehan: “This is Petraeus Week in Washington; this is a hard sell.” He was referring to the September 15 “Mass March and Die-In” the A.N.S.W.E.R. * Coalition was announcing in the Murrow Room of the National Press Club in Washington, DC.

Cindy Sheehan and Carlos Arredondo of Gold Star Families for Peace, and Brian Becker, National Coordinator of the A.N.S.W.E.R. Coalition.

Carlos Arredondo, whose son Alex, a Marine, died in Iraq in 2004, had brought his US passport to emphasise that the words on the inside cover say “We the People” and that “we the people have a tremendous responsibility to the rest of the world,” a sentiment echoed later by Cindy Sheehan, who said that “If America is healthy, if America truly practises democracy, then the whole world will benefit.”

Carlos Arredondo

Two other themes stood out. One was that the forceful arrest of Rev. Lennox Yearwood on Monday when he was trying to get into the Petraeus-Crocker hearing on Capitol Hill is being looked at by the antiwar movement as a seminal moment that will help drive support for this Saturday’s March and Die-in. Yearwood was physically supported by two fellow Iraq Veterans Against the War when he spoke at the conference, his leg having been broken in Monday’s fracas. A video of his arrest is posted on YouTube.

Rev. Lennox Yearwood, CEO and President of the Hip Hop Caucus

The second strong theme was the significance of the Die-In, which will be a mass act of civil disobedience. Prompted by a question from Fox News, Brian Becker--the event coordinator--said a thousand people have so far signed up to take part in the Die-In and he expects that number to double or triple over the next few days. “We hope to trigger in the country a new model of protest,” Becker stated.

A Cybercast News Service journalist asked what kind of impact A.N.S.W.E.R. thinks the likely mass arrests of the Die-In participants will have on middle Americans who are at best only lukewarm towards the protest movement. Tina Richards, of Grassroots America, said that she’s from a little tiny town in the Ozarks and has found no trouble in gaining the support of people from middle America. She noted that it’s often the rank and file membership of organizations such as labour unions who show their support first, with organizational support coming later.

Tina Richards, whose experience of fighting against her son’s reactivation and deployment to Iraq for a third time led her to create Grassroots America.

* Note: A.N.S.W.E.R. is the abbreviation for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism.

--ENDS--

Week of Antiwar Events To Start With a 'Die-In'
Protesters Advocate Civil Disobedience

By Michelle Boorstein and Allison Klein
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, September 13, 2007

Antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan wipes away a tear as Adam Kokesh, left at podium, and the Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. speak at a news conference. (By Gerald Herbert -- Associated Press)

A week of events meant to crank up a national demonstration against the war in Iraq is set to begin Saturday, with a 1,000-person "die-in" at the U.S. Capitol led by current and former American troops and accompanied by taps and a mock 21-gun salute.

The die-in will be the culmination of a march and rally. Organizers hope the event will spur people in the antiwar movement to move from protesting to performing acts of civil disobedience that "get in the way of the war machine," said Brian Becker, national coordinator of the ANSWER Coalition, at a news conference yesterday at the National Press Club.

The group's permit with the U.S. Park Police is for 10,000 people, a source said, but ANSWER, which stands for Act Now to Stop War and End Racism, expects tens of thousands, Becker said. More than 1,000 people had signed up on the group's Web site as of yesterday to lie down at the die-in, he said, which is meant to represent Americans, Iraqis and others who have died in the war. Organizers expect the number to double or triple by Saturday.

Daily antiwar events are planned from Saturday through Friday. War opponents are scheduled to go to Washington area military recruitment centers Monday to try to shut them down. On Wednesday, "Pentagon Outreach Day," Iraq veterans plan to walk through the Pentagon wearing antiwar T-shirts and talking about the conflict.

Some of the Sept. 12 press conference participants

Across the country, war opponents are being encouraged to visit their congressional representatives' hometown offices and not leave until someone "gives them an explanation about the war," Becker said.

Protesters are to start gathering about 10 a.m. Saturday along the north side of the White House, in Lafayette Square. The official rally will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Demonstrators will march down Pennsylvania Avenue to the Capitol, where the die-in is to take place. Police said there will be rolling street closures along Pennsylvania Avenue.

The route will cross the jurisdictions of the U.S. Park Police, D.C. police and Capitol Police, which said they are beefing up patrols in preparation for arrests.

Two counterprotest groups, the Gathering of Eagles, made up of Vietnam veterans, and the D.C. chapter of the conservative group Free Republic, also have permits. They plan to rally at 9:30 a.m. on the Mall at Seventh Street NW and later line Pennsylvania Avenue NW between Seventh and 10th streets.

At a news conference Monday, Gathering of Eagles spokesman Kristinn Taylor said the group's purpose is "to not allow this generation of America's servicemen and women to be betrayed on the battlefield and at home, as happened during and after the Vietnam War."

But at the ANSWER news conference yesterday, Carlos Arredondo, whose son Alex was killed in Iraq in 2004, said, "My passport says 'We the people,' and we the people are responsible for stopping this madness." Arredondo held a folded U.S. flag in one hand and his open passport in the other.

Other speakers included antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan and Adam Kokesh, co-chairman of Iraq Veterans Against the War.

The antiwar movement "is far from where Bush would like you to think we are, that we are the fringe. They are the fringe. We are the mainstream," said Mahdi Bray, executive director of the Muslim American Society's Freedom Foundation, which encourages Muslim civic participation.

War opponents have carried out acts of civil disobedience since the war began, but Becker said the die-in will be different because it was conceived by and will be led by Iraq war veterans and their families.

*******************************************************

AND NOW THE FULL OF HATE PRO WAR TOM KNOTT

It's Gathering of Eagles vs. nitwit marchers

Tom Knott
September 13, 2007

The Cindy Sheehan-inspired dingbats descending on the city this weekend are infinitely more outraged by a pair of panties being placed on the head of a virgin-seeking terrorist than by a virgin-seeking terrorist placing a steak knife to the neck of an infidel, while chanting, "Praise be to Allah."

This passes as a thoughtful position on the part of the losers, nut jobs, socialists, communists and revolutionaries aligned with ANSWER, Code Pink and the loony left of Hollywood.

All they are saying is give a suicide bomber a chance. These wackos live with a conundrum. As much as they hate America, they refuse to leave it. By the way, Alec Baldwin's private jet is still parked on the tarmac. He apparently is too busy cussing out his daughter to make good on his long-ago vow to leave the United States in the event of George Bush taking up residence in the White House. Mr. Baldwin no doubt is carbon-neutral, not unlike every other fuel-guzzling phony on the left. Plant a tree. Cop a ride on a private jet.

This should be taken as a warning to the innocents who live in the region and the unlucky tourists who planned a vacation at the same time the nitwits of the nation planned a celebration of their insanity. Stay away from the downtown part of the city if it is at all possible. The start of the Million Nitwit March is Saturday.

Fortunately, the nitwits will be blunted in part by the pro-America, pro-soldier, pro-victory group known as the Gathering of Eagles. It is a shame that we live in an upside-down time, when it is necessary to have a group pointing out that we live in the best nation in the world, period, and that millions of poor souls want to come here and nowhere else. The legal immigration numbers tabulated around the globe each year are not even close. What does that tell you about our concededly imperfect nation?

It tells you we are so fat, so soft, so intellectually inept that too many of us do not even understand how good we have it.

Sorry. Forgot. That view is, like, so not hip in Hollywood. It is far more enlightening and patriotic to make movies that ridicule our troops.

No word on whether Tim Robbins will show up to lend his expertise on the number of Iraqi civilians who have died in the war. Wonder if Mr. Robbins starts heaving and sobbing whenever he sees the black-and-white footage of Dresden after we employed our version of urban renewal on it in World War II.

THERES MORE BUT THIS IS ENOUGH OF TOM KNOTT'S HATE

Remembering Dondo: Alexander Scott Arredondo KIA Iraq 8/25/04

AN EVENING OF REFLECTION:

Remembering Dondo

Alexander Arredondo was born 08/05/84 and killed at 10:35 Iraq time (3:35 pm EST) on 08/25/04. Carlos Arredondo has traveled the US as means of grieving openly, memoralizing his son and honoring all those killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

He will speak about Alex and his family, the journey of healing and his experiences meeting other grieving families. This event will be held at the River Green.

Also part of the program:

ZEMYA will sing. Poetry by Pat Frisella.

As dusk nears we will light candles in rememberance of the lives lost in war. Augustin Aguayo will play Flamencan Guitar music and his wife Helga will speak. Origins of Flamenco reflect suffering and loss.

Please scroll down for quotes about or for Alex that fellow troops have listed on www.fallenheroesmemorial.com as well as directions from Boston.

"Arredondo was a stand up Marine. He was one of the few that understood the reality of war. His understanding of the Iraqi people changed my view of the war. He helped me understand the difference between the Iraqi civilian and the enemy. I miss you Dondo. You will never be forgotten." Gabriel Prado of Corvallis Oregon

"Alex, I'm sorry I always gave you a hard time because you were junior to me in the marine corps. I know that it wasn't easy for you to go straight from SOI to OIF1 and I didn't make that time any easier for you. I never told you this when you were alive but I have a lot of respect for you. As a man and as a marine. You never complained when all the rest of us were crying like girls about some BS work that had to get done. I always noticed and respected that. So man, forgive me for being a mean drunk of a senior marine because I'm going to give you a hug when I see you in the afterlife. I love ya, man." Anonymous of Anytown, USA

"Alex, The best memory of you I have is when we were on top of the cliffs at red beach and I was afraid to repel down. You talked me into it. Man all the Raiders miss you and we will NEVER forget you. You were a great guy. Rest in peace Alex. Raider for life and beyond." john of woodlawn, arkansas

"Alex, Where do I begin? As all the Raiders that have been on here before me have said, I miss you Dondo, more than words can describe. I can go back to so many fond memories of us. From climbing school, where we really first got to know each other... where our fears of heights were forgotten and our bonds were formed. We would place pro and jump down like 15 feet to test it to show the others that it was safe. How we ended up driving, what 2 hours to snowboad in Brogdons car... and i broke my tail bone and had to ride back on my stomach in the passenger seat. Then always saying "Bomber" LOL that was the word. Then Iraq came and i have fond memories of you being on my left flank as we all went through the cemetary. You just had an attitude about you that made me smile in the hardest of times... we climbed those T-Barriers in FOB Baker, where we had like 7 people on them.. you climbed up it upside down LOL how great.. always talking about getting back and boarding... TOE SLIDE...HEEL SLIDE!!! And then i had to listen on the radio as all our brothers started falling, and found out that you weren't coming back. It was the first time i had lost someone extremely close to me, it is indescribable. Now, im out, im back home, living safely under our free skies, and theres not a day goes by that i don't think about you Alex, i could go on and on and on about how much i thank you for everything you taught me, everything we shared... but i'm just going to say it like this. I Love You Alex, Forever... until I see you at the gates of heaven.. "WE FEW, WE HAPPY FEW, WE BAND OF BROTHERS, HE WHO SHEDS HIS BLOOD WITH ME, SHALL FOR EVER BE MY BROTHER"" James Reed of Battle Creek, MI

"Dondo, I didn't know you as well as many others did but we are still brothers. Everyone from 1/4 seems to have a story about you and what a great person you were. I remember always trying to find your lane during the boat raid cliff assaults. RAIDER FOR LIFE!!!!" dsmith_raider@yahoo.com of Akron, OH

"Alex, Hey brother, it's me Mendoza. I'm sorry that i've taken so long to do this. Ayup, Pineda, Medina, Bagby, Enrique, Velazquez and I were all hanging out last night and we remembered you. I told 'em about how close those damn hellfires landed in front of us in the cemetary and how you would give me and Velazquez a hard time about smoking. I told 'em about how you would cover me when we were clearing those goddam tombs in the cementery. It's funny to think that i never would have gotten to know you better if you hadn't been on that far right flank of your platoon and me on the far left of mine. I remember you, velazquez, anspach and me fighting for every inch of that cementery. My friend, mostly I remember carrying you down the stairs of that building and hoping to god that the tracks would hurry and come get you. doc soto did everything that he could while we prayed. sadly, the good lord decided that you were due up in heaven. I hope that God gives your family the strength that they need day to day. I can't pretend to know what they are going through, but I hope that they read this and know that you have a whole company of brothers who would do anything for them. my friend, i want you to know that your picture is framed at my house and that my son knows your name. From now until the day i die, i will remember you and make sure that my son tells our embellished stories to his children. From now until the end of time, we shall be remembered. we few, we happy few, we band of brothers. SEMPER FI RAIDERS FOR LIFE DOZA" Carlos E. Mendoza of San Bernardino, CA

"Hey bro. Its me Ayup, I dont even know were to begin, its so hard for me everyday to go on with out you. I talk to crespo and Ssgt. Sandoval somtimes and we talk about how much we miss you bro.And hear I am crying like a little girl right now thinking about what happend that day on the roof.And when I held you in my arms befor they took you away. I relive that moment every day in my head. And just thinking that you were standing right were I was, it kills me bro. It hurts so bad. I love you so much man and miss you more then ever. your brother!!!! Cpl. Michael Ayup 1st BN 4th MAR Alpha co. Raiders Wpns platoon Raider for Life!!!!!" Cpl Michael Ayup of Camp Pendlton CA.

"Well ive been out for about a month and i really cant move on wit my life, yet i havent said goodbye to all thoose i needed to and i def havent said what i needed tosay to you and your fam but i will soon i havent finished what i started writting but im workin on it man, i just want your family to know that you arent forgoten not for a sec" adam of chicago il

"Hey Dondo, it's been two years next week since the worst day in many of our lives. I've thought about that rooftop every day and every night for the past two years. It took a while to understand why it was you and not someone else. Why Dondo? He didn't ever do anything wrong, never hurt anybody. Why? I struggled with this question for a long time and as we come to the anniversary of that fateful day once again I remember why. You were stronger in your faith and your character than anyone I've ever known. The good Lord knew where you were going and He needed more time to work on lost souls like mine. Thank you for being the rock that I can stand on. Thank you for reminding me what life is about and who to live it for. I love you buddy. You are sorely missed and forever will be. "From this day to the ending of the world, But we in it shall be remembered. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; For he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother" Raider For Life. Semper Fi." Warren Glas of Union Grove, Wisconsin

"Dondo, sorry it has taken so long for me to say good-bye...i have been kinda thinking about this for the past couple of years...now im out of the Marine Corps and all it does it make me look back on everything....I was standing right next to you when it happened...I wish with everything in me there was something i could do...but by going to your families website and reading the letters you sent home it made me realize you were far more braver than any man I have ever known...I am proud to have fought next to you and proud to have been your brother "RAIDER FOR LIFE"....I will see you soon...with all my love..Semper Fi" Cpl Jarred Dorhauer of College Station, TX

"You were a great leader and a great friend Alex. Firm but fair, and always with a smile on your face. You are gone but never forgotten, and I am proud to have known you and called you friend. Raider 4 Life and Semper Fi." Cpl Adam Tresidder of Kuwait

"You'll always be in our hearts Love ya Bro" Lcpl Castor of Grand rapids MI

"To Carlos you pain like so many parents is so great that words could never be able to explain all you gone through and still are going through. Remember your son is now walking with God he is in heaven protecting us. When he was here on earth he wanted to protect his family and his country and now he has a bigger task because now he is helping all of us to reach heaven like he did. Our country would never be as wonderful as it is if it wasn't for men and women that are in the military protecting us always so no one but no take that freedom away from us. Thank you for being into this world a man of honor and courage. God bless you and your family and know we are always praying for you. If you know of others that still have not recieved their quilt please contact me at debeniel@ncn.net and let me know also check my website which is www.freedomquilts.net" Betty Nielsen (Freedom Quilts Inc) of Fonda, IA

"Dondo, I will never forget those long cold boat rides with you during the 11th MEU SOC work up. I will always remember how no matter how bad it got, you always had that smile that made everything seem alright no matter how shitty things were. The company has been up to the 1st Marines Memorial 4 times since your death, and I go up there at least twice a month. I will always remember what your death has taught me, and I will never forget what you sacrificed. Your fellow Raiders will always remember you." 1st Lt Richard Zjawin of A Co 1st BN, 4th Marines

"Mr and Mrs Arredondo, your son was on my Amtrac in OIF I. I was the vehicle commander and watched your son fight bravely during the war. He was a fine young man who had a great sense of humor and had lots of friend. I still have an Iraqi flag hanging in my room with his signature and comments on it. It was a pleasure to serve with him and I am very sorry that he is no longer with us. My thoughts and prayers are with you." Ssgt Kirkland of Jacksonville, Fl

"It saddens me every day when I look into the ranks of First Platoon Raiders and I neither see Lcpl. Arredondo or PFC Skinner. Alex was one of my best and a fine young man. I miss him every day along with Nicholas and I wish I could have them both back. But because I served with great men like Alex, It is his memory that keeps me going strong every day to be the best in what ever I am doing. I have decided to stay in the Marine Corps for as long as the Corps will keep me. I dedicate my time and service to my fallen Warriors. For the rest of my life, I will always be proud to have been that platoon Sgt of Alex and Nicholas. Semper Fi and I will see you again. Respctfully Simon L. Sandoval SSgt USMC Alpha Company Raider 1st Platoon" Simon L. Sandoval of Oceanside Califronia

"I was with him when God took him to a better place and I will say that he is and was one of a kind. He definitely watched out for his fellow Marines on countless missions before the last. I have so much admiration for him eventhough I am much older. To the families.....LCpl Arrendondo was truly a hero to remember everyday of our lives....I will never forget him and Skinner for as long as I live. May God bless you all." SSgt Johns 1/4 Alpha Company of Camp Pendleton, California

"I had Alex in my Company for OIF1 and OIF2, all my young Marines are like sons to me. LCpl Arredondo will, and is still truly missed by his fellow Hero's. His spirit will forever be in Alpha Company, Alpha Raider for life, we love you! "SOME GAVE ALL, ALL GAVE SOME." AN NAJAF, IRAQ AUGUST 2004" 1stSgt Synovec of San DIego, Ca.

"ALEX WAS A GOOD MAN AND I AM SURE HE WAS A EVEN BETTER SOLDIER, WISH I GOT TO KNOW YA BETTER. U WILL BE MISSED DEARLY" SPC JOHN BALIS, US ARMY of FORT SHAFTER HAWAII

"dondo you were my team leader, brother and my friend. i will guide my marines like u guided me. i will never forget you. i love u bro" Lcpl Brittner Eric 1st plt 3rd sqd 3rd team of FOB Duke

"This young man would have been a great leader - they say there is only one born per century - we were short changed. Rest in peace Lance Corporal Arredondo - you affected many lives in a positive manner." T of Iraq

"Rest in peace Raider. You are truly missed." 1stSgt Young, Alpha Raider of FOB Echo Iraq

"Dondo, you're of the greatest guys I ever knew. I've never met anyone that I could joke around with for hours and we'd still make each other laugh. It took an original mind to come up with some of the antics you and I performed, and thats probably one of the biggest things I'll miss about you. You and I were a lot alike, and I'll never forget the times we shared last year in Iraq. Those were some of the best times in my life, and that was largely due to you, and your company. I hope you watch over me and allow yourself to laugh at me now and again, like old times. I love you man, and I'll always have the pictures to remember you." Brent Mills, SS Plt, 1/4 of Conroe, TX

Traveling from the South
Take I-95 North into Maine & go to Exit 25 Kennebunk. Go thru Toll Booth and at Stop Sign Turn Left onto Rt. 35 South to Kennebunk. Go Approx 1 Mile to K’Bunk High School & Turn Left into School Driveway and Park in Parking Lot. Shuttle Buses will then take People to the Rally Site.

Further information on weekend of activities at www.kportprotest.org

Mélida Arredondo,
Remembering Alex Arredondo
who died too young in honor of the Iraqi people
and his own nation, the USA,
and protecting his buddies always
08/05/84 - 08/25/04