Pallbearers from the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard carry Marine Pfc. Dawid Pietrek along the journey to his final resting place in Arlington National Cemetery. Pietrek, who was born in Poland, was honored at his grave site by being granted U.S. Citizenship.
A Polish-born Marine was honored Tuesday by being granted United States citizenship after making the ultimate sacrifice for the country and people he strived to join.
On July 1 family, friends and fellow Marines gathered to attend the funeral ceremony of fallen Marine Pfc. Dawid Pietrek at the Memorial Chapel on Fort Myer.
On June 14, Pietrek, along with Sgt. Michael Toussiant-Hyle Washington, Lance Cpl. Layton Bradly Crass and Pfc. Michael Robert Patton, died as a roadside bomb exploded in Farah, Afghanistan.
Pietrek, 24, of Bensenville, Ill., is survived by his parents and sister, who live in Police, Poland.
Pietrek came to the United States intending to become a citizen, earn a college degree and become a police officer. It wasn’t until June 2007 that 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 grave site, Pietrek officially received his United States Citizenship in honor of his sacrifice made for this country.
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