On July 1 family, friends and fellow Marines gathered to attend fallen Marine Pfc. Dawid Pietrek’s funeral ceremony Tuesday morning at the Memorial Chapel on Fort Myer. On June 14, this Marine, along with Sgt. Michael Toussiant-Hyle Washington, Lance Cpl. Layton Bradly Crass and Pfc. Michael Robert Patton all died as a roadside bomb exploded while they were on duty in Farah, Afghanistan.

Pietrek was 24 years old and is survived by his parents and sister, who live in Police, Poland. Pietrek came to the United States with the intentions of becoming a citizen, earning his college degree and becoming a police officer. In June 2007, he decided to join the Marines. Pietrek was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force in Twentynine Palms, Calif.

As six Marines carried Pietrek’s coffin slowly to the hearse, the Patriot Guards paid respects and saluted. Guards hoisted American flags while another member honored Pietrek’s heritage by holding the Polish flag.

The Marine now rests amongst some of the greatest leaders and service members the United States has known at Arlington National Cemetery. At the gravesite, Pietrek officially received his United States Citizenship in honor of his sacrifice made to this country.