The horrible incident of the man setting himself on fire in DC last week, after dousing himself with gasoline, had been haunting me. He seems to have been forgotten already by the public, only giving a name and age (64) and that his family said he "battled mental illness". He was married, a father of 3, and neighbors said he was a "good and kind man". He even had the grace to say "thank you" to those who tried to help him, in spite of his devastating injuries.
I read he gave a "sharp salute" towards the capital before he lit the flames, and I had a feeling in my gut, that along with his age, I just had a feeling. I had to know more.
John Constantino, 64, was an active-duty Marine serving in Vietnam from December 1968 until May 1973, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20131009/NEWS01/310090054/UPDATE-Mt-Laurel-vet-who-set-himself-fire-had-served-during-Vietnam-War?nclick_check=1
We will never know what those five years were like for him, what demons he fought all these years. My Dad was a POW, and I know the generational trauma of war. The war never ended for him, or his family, his children, his grandchildren, will always carry the war with them.
Rest in Peace, John Constantino, rest in peace.
