This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Syrians From Orange County Caravan to East Coast to Pay Respects to Family of Slain Combat Journalist Marie Colvin
Syrian flag via Shutterstock
A dozen Syrians from Orange County loaded up into a van and set off at 3:45 am to take a cross-country journey to the East Coast.Their first stop will be to pay their respects to the family of slain combat journalist Marie Colvin who was killed during a bombardment in the city of Homs in Syria last month, according to the Orange County Register. The group has been in touch with Colvin's sister, and they plan to meet with the family to offer a "medal of honor" inscribed with the words, "The Syrian American community will never forget the great sacrifice. Freedom is always a worthy cause."
"Ms. Colvin was one person, but her loss had resonance across a country (Syria)," said Mazen Almoukdad, 54, an Anaheim resident who is making the trek. "We want her family to know that we are sorry they lost their daughter. And that they also gained a family of 20 million brothers and sisters."
From there the group plans to go to New York City and meet with United Nations officials, asking them to do something to stem the tide of bloodshed in Syria at the hands of the government. From there, they plan to head south to D.C. to protest in front of the White House.
On the way there, the group hopes to pick up other Syrian-Americans on the way in Arizona, Texas, Chicago and Detroit. Belal "Bill" Dalati, 46, who is leading the charge told the Register: "This is an issue very close to all of our hearts. We need to take action."
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
