US veterans burn uniforms in tribute to Bushnell, against genocide

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Social media
29 Feb 2024 14:32
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In a symbolic act of tribute and protest, US veterans burn their military uniforms in an impactful gesture to voice their disdain toward the genocide in Gaza and pay homage to a fallen comrade.

At a vigil honoring Aaron Bushnell in Oregon, US veterans were seen burning their military uniforms in a tribute to the former US airman and in rejection of US complicity in the Israeli genocide in Gaza. (Screengrab, Social media)

During a vigil commemorating Aaron Bushnell in Oregon on Wednesday evening, US veterans engaged in a poignant act of tribute by burning their military uniforms. This symbolic gesture was intended, not only to honor the late US airman but also to express a profound rejection of what they perceive as US complicity in the current Israeli genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

A compelling viral video captured a solemn scene as US veterans participate in a unique tribute during the vigil. The video has garnered widespread attention and is now circulating widely on social media platforms.

At a vigil honoring #AaronBushnell in Oregon, US veterans were seen burning their military uniforms in a tribute to the former #US airman and in rejection of US complicity in the Israeli genocide in #Gaza. pic.twitter.com/YQAifcXbr7
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 29, 202

It is worth noting that the US veterans stood before a striking banner that read, "Veterans say: Free Palestine! Remember Aaron Bushnell."

This is happening amid a wave of protests, tributes, and social media messages pouring in to honor Aaron Bushnell, a 25-year-old active-duty member of the United States Air Force. He tragically set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C., in a protest against the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza on Sunday.

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Making his way on foot toward the occupation embassy, Bushnell said, while recording himself, "My name is Aaron Bushnell. I'm an active duty member of the United States Air Force. And I will no longer be complicit in genocide."

"I'm about to engage in an extreme act of protest, but compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizers, it's not extreme at all. This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal," he said, before pouring gasoline on himself.

He was then seen in the video lighting himself on fire while shouting, "Free Palestine" repeatedly, before an embassy guard came close and raised a gun at his body, which then was on the ground, still burning. The American pilot was transferred to a hospital where he was later announced dead.

Western media has assumed the role of a defense attorney for "Israel".

Through its narrative construction, it has adeptly portrayed the oppressor, "Israel", as a victim in disguise, blurring the lines between truth and deception. Consequently, what transpires is not merely a… pic.twitter.com/udtodwvb1v
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) February 28, 2024

In a report on Monday, Politico considered Bushnell's death as the culmination of the increasing wave of dissatisfaction with the White House's policy regarding Gaza.

The news website confirmed that "the self-immolation is an escalation of the anger from within the government, which until now manifested itself in resignations and hastily called group meetings," expressing the ruling establishment's fear that the incident would "lead those who work in the administration or are members of the services to become more outspoken."

Administrative personnel within Biden's administration penned a protest note to him, expressing concerns about his policies in the Gaza Strip. They urged the White House to advocate for a ceasefire in Gaza.

In the letter, staffers wrote that "to end one’s life in the most violent and severe way is a stark warning for our nation," calling on the White House to push for a ceasefire in Gaza.

"May his sacrifice be a haunting reminder for those who refuse to change course."