Boston Hero at Bombing Lost Son in Iraq

Carlos Arredondo, the man photographed by media comforting a wounded victim of the Boston Marathon bombing terror attacks, has experience with tragedy before: his son, Alex, was killed by terrorists in Iraq in 2004, at age 20. When Carlos as informed of his son’s death by military members, he set the van used by the military members on fire, then was hospitalized with burns. He told the New York Times, “As long as there are Marines fighting and dying in Iraq, I’m going to share my mourning with the American people.” He is now an anti-war protester. Carlos’ other son, Brian, committed suicide in despair over the loss of his brother.

Carlos was attending the marathon to cheer on a friend, who was running to honor Alex. After watching the bombs explode, Carlos helped a victim to medical assistance using a wheelchair.