A post office in the Jamaica Plain section of Boston has been named for a local Marine who was killed in Iraq.
The Jamaica Plain Post Office was named for Lance Cpl. Alexander Scott Arredondo on Sunday during a ceremony attended by Mayor Thomas Menino, Congressman Michael Capuano, Congressman Stephen Lynch, state Sen. Sonia Chang-Diaz and Postmaster James J. Holland.
President Barack Obama signed a law in January designating the post office. The legislation was backed by Massachusetts’ congressional delegation.
Arredondo died in combat in Najaf, Iraq, on Aug. 25, 2004, during his second tour of duty. He was shot by a sniper as he was checking on fellow soldiers.
Arredondo had just turned 20.
He was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat V.
“The renaming and dedication of this post office commemorates a young hero’s bravery and selflessness in protecting our country’s freedoms,” Mayor Menino said. “His courage and actions are an inspiration to us all and will not be forgotten.”
Alex’s father, Carlos, is an immigrant from Costa Rica. His son graduated from Blue Hills Regional High School before enlisting in the Marines.
“This is a small way to honor the life of Lance Corporal Arredondo,” Capuano said. “He was a dedicated and selfless individual who sacrificed his life for all of us. I am honored to be here today with Lance Corporal Arredondo’s family and friends to dedicate this building in his memory.”
