The sons of the man known for his heroism in the aftermath of the Boston Marathon bombing have been honored for their service and courage.
Governor Charlie Baker, parents Carlos Arredondo and Victoria Foley, as well as several state officials, celebrated the renaming of the Jamaicaway Bridge in Jamaica Plain to the “Lance Corporal Alexander Arredondo and Brian Arredondo Memorial Bridge.”
Marine Lance Corporal Alexander Arredondo was the oldest child of Carlos Arredondo and Foley. He was killed in Najaf, Iraq in 2004 during his second deployment when he was 20 years old.
Brian Arredondo was Alexander’s younger brother and died by suicide at the age of 24 in 2011, despite seeking help with depression and grief.
Baker spoke at the event, saying that the brothers made significant impact on the state.
“We are honored to dedicate this bridge to the memory of Lance Corporal Alexander Arredondo in recognition of his service to this nation and to his younger brother Brian, who displayed courage and bravery in the face of mental health challenges following his brother’s death,” said Baker. “This bridge will stand as an important reminder of the sacrifices made by our nation’s veterans and the families who support them in service.”
One of the most heartfelt moments came from Foley, which was her first time speaking publicly since their deaths.
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“Alex and Brian were everything to me,” said Foley. “My wonderful, inspiring, loving sons. Not a day goes by that they are not on my mind.”
Carlos Arredondo spoke at the event, thanking state officials for acknowledging the state's soldiers.
“This is a great honor. The memory of both of our sons continues to inspire us in the work we do today," said Arredondo. "We are especially grateful that through this bridge dedication, Massachusetts is acknowledging the sacrifice of our soldiers, veterans and their families, and recognizing the fact that suicide is occurring as well among military family members.”
Arredondo received national attention after helping Jeff Bauman, a man who lost both of his legs in the 2013 bombing.
Arredondo, who was attending the marathon when the bombs went off, spoke to us in 2014, looking back on the chaos that unfolded.
"I think everyone is capable of doing something like I did," he said in 2014. "I never thought about running the other way," he added.
A new movie called “Stronger” is based after Bauman surviving the attack.
Arredondo has since established the Arredondo Family Foundation, which provides help to veterans and their families dealing with suicide, grief and depression.
