(by Freeman Z)
I first met the Arredondos while recording career Army man, Author and B.U. Professor Andrew Bacevich speaking on US Foreign Policy in Roslindale.
It's a surreal scene in my memory. Carlos was so angry after hearing about the problems in policy that got his son killed.
Not long after this meeting, the Bacevich family lost their only son, also in Iraq.
Mélida and husband Carlos Arredondo on Boston Common
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The Arredondos are amazing people. As I travel the East Coast, reporting on people's resistance to a Government gone haywire, there's nobody I see more often, and in so many different places, as these two people, driven by the loss of their son, whose photograph is held high at rallies, in meetings with elected officials, and most recently, at the Boston premier of the movie "Body of War."
When I recorded Howard Zinn at his home for one of Tavis Smiley's shows, I mentioned the Arredondos. Zinn remarked "They've been remarkably active, that couple."
The Arredondos seem similarly impressed by the fact that so many times when they speak, I am providing sound reinforcement. I guess it's been ten times or so now. We have also spent some time in the 492 Cafe studio, recording their stories for later use.
Mélida works days in the health care field. She speaks eloquently at rallies, and is active in Military Families Speak Out and other resistance groups.