In a poignant display of solidarity, a group of U.S. Armed Forces veterans gathered in Portland, Oregon, to burn their military uniforms in memory of Senior Airman Aaron Bushnell. Bushnell tragically self-immolated on the steps of the Israeli Embassy in Washington, D.C., on February 25, protesting the ongoing war in Gaza.
The emotional act was organized by About Face: Veterans Against the War, a group that has witnessed a surge in veterans reaching out since Bushnell’s passing. The veterans burned their uniforms as a symbolic gesture to honor Bushnell’s ultimate sacrifice and draw attention to the impact of U.S. support on the conflict.
In a widely shared video on social media, protesters stood in front of a sign reading “Veterans Say: Free Palestine! Remember Aaron Bushnell.” Matt Howard, a Marine Corps veteran and About Face board member, emphasized the intentional decision behind burning the uniforms, stating that “Aaron wore his uniform as he took that act, that ultimate sacrifice.”
Bushnell, a 25-year-old airman from Whitman, Massachusetts, recorded his final moments in uniform before setting himself ablaze, screaming “Free Palestine!” as a response to the devastating toll on Palestinians in the past five months. The war in Gaza, triggered by Hamas’ cross-border attack in October, has resulted in widespread civilian casualties, drawing comparisons to genocide.
About Face organized the vigil to ensure that Bushnell’s sacrifice would not be in vain. Some veterans burned their medals, while others set fire to the last remnants of their military gear. The group aims to challenge the administration’s stance on the conflict and the military’s role in supporting it, emphasizing the U.S. contribution to the war through munitions, diplomatic cover, and overall support.
Despite the U.S. not deploying ground troops in Gaza, it has provided significant support to Israel, including munitions like Iron Dome rockets and special operations forces for intelligence operations. The Navy has also deployed ships to police the Red Sea in defense against attacks by Houthi rebels opposing Israel.
The tragic incident has sparked public protests, with activists interrupting Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin during an event at the Brookings Institution. The Air Force is treating Bushnell’s death as one of the approximately 100 suicides it faces annually, acknowledging the political fervor attached to the case.
Beyond the burning of uniforms, over 300 veterans attended a virtual vigil for Bushnell, highlighting the growing activism among former service members against the U.S. military’s role in conflicts like the one in Gaza. Veterans like Shaniyat Chowdhury, a Marine Corps veteran in New York City, have been actively participating in local protests and candlelight vigils to honor lives lost both in Gaza and among their fellow servicemen.
As the military community grapples with the aftermath of Bushnell’s protest, there is a renewed call for increased mental health resources and support to address the persistently high rates of suicide among active-duty personnel. The incident has also spurred veterans to utilize their experiences in advocating for a more peaceful world, echoing the camaraderie felt even in the final moments of a fellow service member.
