Self-immolation of George Winne Jr.
George Winne Jr. (1947 – May 11, 1970) is remembered as a protester of the Vietnam War who set himself on fire in a deliberate act of self-immolation in Revelle Plaza on the campus of the University of California, San Diego on May 10, 1970 to protest the United States involvement in the war. The 23 year old student, a former member of a ROTC unit, had no previous affiliation with any organized protests. Winne had recently completed his studies towards a degree in History in March, and would have graduated in June.
He died ten hours later, asking his mother to write a letter to President Nixon. His last words were "I believe in God and the hereafter and I will see you there."
A small memorial to the student is located in a grove of trees, east of the campus library.
See also
References
- Keen, H. "San Diego student who set self afire in war protest dies", Los Angeles Times, May 12, 1970