Before he was a dedicated ICU nurse at a VA hospital, Alex was a vibrant soul known for his love of the outdoors. Those who knew him personally remember his kindness, his spirit, and the way he embraced life under the open sky. He was a good man, a loyal friend, and a true pillar of the community.

In his professional life, Alex spent his days tending to our nation’s veterans in Minneapolis. He lived by the words he once shared at a veteran’s send-off:

"Today we remember that freedom is not free. We have to work at it, nurture it, protect it and even sacrifice for it."

Alex died in defense of a woman peppersprayed and ruthlessly pushed to the ground by ICE.

We honor his memory with the red poppy--a symbol of the service and sacrifice he witnessed and embodied. Our veteran members agree that Alex Pretti is deserving of such an honor.

Vigil Details:

📅 When: January 27th at 6:30 PM

📍 Where: Roxbury Town Hall (1715 US-46, Ledgewood, NJ 07852)

🕯️ Candles: Will be provided.

How to Honor Alex:

🌹Wear a red poppy to symbolize his dedication to our veterans.

🎨Bring signs or art that celebrate his role as a VA nurse and his love of the outdoors.

❌️🪧Please leave protest signs at home. This is a time for solemn remembrance and honoring a life lost. There WILL be a time for them in the near future.

Action to Follow:

Immediately following the vigil, we will attend the Roxbury Town Council meeting. We are calling on elected officials to take decisive action--beyond just a resolution--to oppose the potential ICE facility in our town.

May he rest in peace. 🌹🇺🇸💙

He will have justice! ✊️