The Man in the Cowboy Hat: A Hero’s Story Emerges from the Boston Marathon Massacre
(Charles Krupa/AP photo, as found at: http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/04/16/17773869-the-man-in-the-hat-at-boston-marathon-finish-line-carlos-arredondo-didnt-set-out-to-be-hero#.UW0xKQRT41Q.twitter ) There he was in a cowboy hat on the sidelines, handing out American flags. Carlos Arredondo was waiting at the finish line for those who were running for fallen soldiers, one of which was his own son. Rewind to 2004 when Marine Lance Cpl. Alexander S. Arredondo, died in battle half a world away in Najaf, Iraq. It was Carlos’ 44th birthday when Marines pulled up to bring the news. Distraught, he grabbed a can of gasoline and something to light it with from his garage, got inside the van, doused it and set it on fire, severely burning himself as well. The Marines got him out and put out the flames on his body while suffering no injuries to themselves. ( Read about that here ) (Alexander and Brian before Alexander's death in Iraq) That was not the end of his pers...