Virgil Villalta believes his son, a U.S. soldier who left last week to return to his post in Kuwait, is fighting for many things dear to our country, including a Florida pastor's rights to burn the Muslim holy book on the anniversary of the 9-11 attacks.
But the Pembroke Pines father said the Gainesville pastor's plans are not only outrageous, but also a grave gesture that could further put his 25-year-old son's safety in danger.
"To me, the whole thing is an act of ignorance and stupidity," said Villalta. "I understand it's their right, but burning books? Burning holy books? That's how the Nazis got started."
Villalta's concerns echoes those from the highest levels of the U.S. military, who say burning the Muslim holy book would spark reprisals against troops and Americans in Afghanistan and other Muslim countries.
The Rev. Terry Jones, the leader of Dove World Outreach Center in Gainesville, said Wednesday he is determined to go through with his plan to burn the Quran and he urges others to do the same on Saturday despite pressure from the White House, religious leaders, celebrities and politicians from all political parties who are urging him to call it off.
Already a number of South Florida events are being organized in response to the pastor's plans that coincide with the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon.
There is a beach walk in Hollywood calling for marchers of all faiths to stroll together, a candlelight vigil in Miami and a simple lunch among Jewish and Muslim students at Florida Atlantic University who vow to learn from each other's religious writings.
"It's all nonsense. It's all very sick. It's not what religion is all about," said Ken Howland, 72, who is organizing the 8 a.m. Saturday march from Hollywood's bandshell on the Broadwalk. "We're hoping to have a little walk and learn from each other."
South Florida military families on Wednesday were clear about their fear the Gainesville event would make their loved ones symbolic targets.
"They are already in danger as it is out there," said Fort Lauderdale resident Judy Smith, whose son is an Army lieutenant in Afghanistan.
Tamarac resident Madeline Smith, whose son Jeffrey died in the World Trade Center attack, said she is upset by all the surrounding events that distract from the grim but important anniversary.